Best In Show - Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
97 Points -

Jacoben sits 8km north of Lowestoft on the northern side of the Derwent River. It faces south, which goes against everything the teach you at university about planting vineyards in the southern hemisphere! This site looks directly across the river to the Lubiana Vineyard and winery. Similar to Lowestoft, the soils are considered podzoic, with more sandstone and obvious alluvial contents. Quite significantly more free draining in nature than Lowestoft. Quite a lot cooler during the growing season also, as there is a fog called the “Bridgewater Jerry” which comes down the Derwent River and has quite the cooling effect. Very similar to Sonoma and Russian River in Northern California.

Superb Pinot Noir from the Jacoben Vineyard was hand-picked and fermented in 2T open top fermenters, with 15% whole bunch inclusion. Gently hand plunged, with gentle pressing to tank post MLF, followed by 10 months maturation in large format French oak (25% new) before selective barrel blending and bottling with minimal additions.

Bursting with rich, plump forest fruits, this dark ruby wine presents heady aromas of cherry, woody herbs and black tea. Finely grained tannins framed by juicy acidy give this wine generous tension and drive. in large format French oak (25% new) before selective barrel blending and bottling with minimal additions. – Liam McElhinney