Punch is run by wine making duo James and Claire Lance who took over the family run business in 2005. Friends of Punch is a second label using fruit from neighbouring growers and vinters. Having lost all of their grapes in the 2009 bushfires, James and Claire were prepared for no wine that year. However, they were overwhelmed by the generosity of their neighbours who all sold them fruit to save their vintage. Ever since, they’ve made wines with other growers fruit all bearing the heart logo to show their gratitude. Like their other wines, Friends of Punch is also made using minimal intervention, utilising natural yeasts and gravity settling of lees.

The Friends of Punch Pinot Noir uses 5% whole bunches which are then aged on old French oak for 13 months. It shows ripe aromas of poached strawberry, bright cherry and red plum along with hints of vanilla and dried herbs. Soft and elongated tannins aid the medium bodied mouth feel with flavours of red fruits and layers of spice. The texture is complex with a long, juicy finish.

The Friends of Punch Pinot Noir is an ideal match to hearty, rustic fare.