{"product_id":"2024-heroes-vineyard-otway-hinterland-chardonnay-copy","title":"2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Pinot Noir","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn extraordinary small-production Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbsolute star of the Heroes range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOtway Hinterland, Victoria\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRRP $75 a bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e97 Halliday Points – This Is the Wine That Puts Heroes Vineyard on the Map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow we're getting to the absolute star of the Heroes range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e is an extraordinary small-production Pinot Noir from James Thomas' original Heroes Vineyard in the cool, remote \u003cstrong\u003eOtway Hinterland\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the reviews are outstanding:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Pinot Noir from an \u003cstrong\u003eunirrigated, organically farmed vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e, planted to \u003cstrong\u003eMV6 and Abel clones\u003c\/strong\u003e, yielding an incredibly low \u003cstrong\u003e0.85kg of fruit per vine\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's wild fermented with \u003cstrong\u003e30% whole bunch\u003c\/strong\u003e, undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, spends 10 months in French oak with just 25% new, and is bottled without fining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd production?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust \u003cstrong\u003e180 cases\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003eRRP $75\u003c\/strong\u003e, this isn't simply an interesting little Pinot Noir from an obscure corner of Victoria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is serious Australian Pinot Noir.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a huge result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday describes a medium-bodied Pinot Noir built around pure red fruits, floral characters, allspice and autumnal complexity, with \u003cstrong\u003esilky, persistent tannins, bright acidity and a long mineral finish\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilip Rich's conclusion is particularly telling:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Worth every cent and more.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt $75, we're not talking about a $150–$200 flagship Pinot receiving 97 points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're talking about a tiny-production wine from a virtually unknown vineyard in the Otways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Halliday has put it firmly among Australia's elite Pinot Noirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e96 Points – The R Review\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the picture becomes even more compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree independent critics have landed between \u003cstrong\u003e95 and 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e on this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's serious consensus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quality isn't coming from sheer concentration or ripeness either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything about the wine points towards \u003cstrong\u003efinesse, perfume, tannin quality, savouriness and length\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Pinot Noir for people who want complexity rather than simple fruit power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut the three scores together:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Halliday | 96 R Review | 95 Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's an exceptional set of reviews for a \u003cstrong\u003e$75 Australian Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd once you understand where it comes from and how little was produced, the wine becomes even more compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Heroes Pinot Noir is beautifully complex, showing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed cherry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack cherry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlood plum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCranberry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eViolets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRosehips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePink peppercorn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllspice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCinnamon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDried thyme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutumn leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBramble\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWet stone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRhubarb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes' own tasting note emphasises \u003cstrong\u003eviolets, black cherry, autumnal bramble, rosehips, pink peppercorn, thyme and cinnamon\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by cherry, blood plum, charcuterie, wet stone and rhubarb through the palate. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a seriously complex flavour spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut perhaps the most exciting thing is the structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilky tannin. Bright acidity. Mineral drive. Persistent length.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't Pinot Noir that gives you everything in the first five seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt keeps unfolding.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Original Heroes Vineyard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the flagship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes makes its \u003cstrong\u003eAnti-Hero\u003c\/strong\u003e wines from selected vineyards elsewhere in the Otway Hinterland, Mount Gambier and Henty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the wines labelled:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecome exclusively from the original \u003cstrong\u003e10-acre Otway Hinterland site\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's where this Pinot Noir comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the vineyard James Thomas built the entire Heroes project around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the 2024 vintage produced:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97-point Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96-point Chardonnay.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's starting to look like a very serious little vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnirrigated \u0026amp; Organically Farmed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important parts of the Heroes story is how the vineyard is farmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe site is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnirrigated\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganically farmed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard is not certified organic, but Halliday notes its organic farming, while the producer identifies the vineyard as unirrigated. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Thomas isn't simply buying expensive fruit and manufacturing a premium Pinot Noir in the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quality begins with the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then look at the yields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJust 0.85kg of Fruit Per Vine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is extraordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Pinot Noir yielded just:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.85kg per vine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1 tonne per acre.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're talking about less than a kilogram of Pinot Noir fruit from each vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose yields help explain why there's so much intensity in a wine that remains beautifully medium-bodied and elegant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the magic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcentration without heaviness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMV6 + Abel Clone Pinot Noir\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinot lovers will appreciate this detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heroes vineyard contains two important Pinot Noir clones:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMV6 + Abel\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMV6 is one of the cornerstone clones of premium Australian Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbel has a fascinating reputation of its own and is particularly associated with New Zealand Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut them together in a cool Otway vineyard and you've got some seriously interesting raw material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination contributes to a wine that has both \u003cstrong\u003efruit purity and savoury complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSandstone, Siltstone \u0026amp; Sandy Clay\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen there's the geology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heroes Vineyard sits on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTertiary sandstone and siltstone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandy clay loams\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly penetrable clay and weathered sandstone.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a fascinating site for Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting wine has a distinctive mineral and earthy dimension running underneath its fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday specifically identifies the wine's \u003cstrong\u003emineral finish\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Heroes' own tasting note includes \u003cstrong\u003ewet stone\u003c\/strong\u003e among the palate characters. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePinot Noir from the Otway Hinterland\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't Mornington.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt isn't the Yarra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt isn't Tasmania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt isn't even technically Geelong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard sits in the \u003cstrong\u003eOtway Hinterland\u003c\/strong\u003e, much closer to Lorne than Geelong. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's part of what makes Heroes so fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a cool, relatively unknown viticultural pocket producing Pinot Noir of extraordinary quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Graham from Australian Wine \u0026amp; Drinks Review noted that the wine resembles some of the best aspects of Geelong Pinot Noir, praising its combination of ripe plum and red berry fruit, mushroomy savouriness, freshness and medium-bodied feel. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a region worth watching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e30% Whole Bunch\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking starts with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30% Whole Bunch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remaining fruit allows the wine to retain plenty of pure Pinot fruit while the whole bunch brings another layer of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfume • Spice • Savouriness • Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it shows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the aromatic profile:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViolets. Rosehips. Pink peppercorn. Allspice. Thyme. Cinnamon. Autumn leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly the sort of aromatic complexity that makes great Pinot Noir so addictive. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWild Fermentation + Natural Malo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no recipe-driven cultured fermentation here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine undergoes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild yeast fermentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efollowed by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural malolactic fermentation.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's consistent with James Thomas' philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard provides the raw material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery's job is to guide it rather than smother it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e10 Months French Oak – Just 25% New\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine then spends:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 months in French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e25% new oak.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's beautifully judged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's enough new oak to contribute structure and complexity without overwhelming Pinot Noir's perfume and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oak sits behind the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry • Plum • Florals • Spice • Earth • Herbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003erather than dominating them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExactly where it should be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBottled Without Fining\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the restrained approach continues right through to bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottled without fining.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, the philosophy is simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreserve the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreserve the texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreserve the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't polish away the interesting bits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOnly 180 Cases Made\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow we get to the problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire production was:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e180 cases.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's genuinely tiny production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Heroes normally reserves its flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir primarily for \u003cstrong\u003emailing-list members, cellar door and trade allocation\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't Pinot Noir sitting in warehouses by the pallet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's simply not much of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJames Thomas – From Bannockburn \u0026amp; Clyde Park to Heroes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Thomas didn't arrive at Pinot Noir by accident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore establishing Heroes, he honed his Pinot Noir skills at \u003cstrong\u003eBannockburn and Clyde Park\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat Geelong background is significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth producers have long histories with premium cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Heroes is Thomas' own expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the 2024 Pinot Noir suggests he's found something very special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHalliday's “Unsung Hero”\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday Wine Companion recently profiled James Thomas as an \u003cstrong\u003e“Unsung Hero”\u003c\/strong\u003e, describing Heroes as a producer \u003cstrong\u003e“one to watch.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilip Rich visited the property and said he was \u003cstrong\u003eblown away by the entire 2024 range\u003c\/strong\u003e, calling the Pinot Noir in particular exceptional. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the Halliday scores:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Pinot Noir – 97\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Chardonnay – 96\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Dry Riesling – 95+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Sauvignon Blanc – 95\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Yeowarra Hill Pinot Noir – 95+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Yeowarra Hill Chardonnay – 94\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Coola Road Chardonnay – 93+\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's an extraordinary strike rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't one wine getting lucky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe entire operation is firing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHeroes Pinot Noir vs Australia's Big Pinot Names\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where things get interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium Australian Pinot Noir has moved well beyond the $100 mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best bottles from the Yarra Valley, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania can now cost \u003cstrong\u003e$100, $150, $200 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen you look at Heroes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal 10-acre vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnirrigated\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganically farmed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.85kg fruit per vine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMV6 + Abel clones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30% whole bunch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild fermented\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25% new French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e180 cases\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the RRP is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$75.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is an extremely compelling proposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis deserves something good on the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry it with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast duck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeking duck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuck breast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVenison\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeef tartare\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWild mushroom risotto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTruffle pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft washed-rind cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd go straight for \u003cstrong\u003educk with wild mushrooms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine's combination of cherry, blood plum, mushroom, herbs, spice and autumnal characters would be superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe around \u003cstrong\u003e14–16°C\u003c\/strong\u003e in a large Burgundy glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDrinking \u0026amp; Cellaring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's plenty to enjoy now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut with this level of fruit concentration, acidity and tannin quality, I'd be very comfortable putting it away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrink now–2038+.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf opening it young, give it \u003cstrong\u003e30–60 minutes in a decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e and use a large Burgundy glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung, you'll see more:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry • Plum • Violet • Rose • Spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith age, expect the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMushroom • Forest Floor • Leather • Dried Herbs • Earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eto become increasingly prominent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd definitely cellar some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the bottle that makes me think \u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard could become a seriously important name in Australian Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the package:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Heroes Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtway Hinterland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnirrigated\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganically Farmed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMV6 + Abel Clones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 0.85kg Fruit Per Vine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 Tonne Per Acre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30% Whole Bunch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild Fermentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Malo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 Months French Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25% New Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13.6% Alcohol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottled Without Fining\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 180 Cases Produced\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there's the wine itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed cherry. Black cherry. Blood plum. Violets. Rosehips. Pink peppercorn. Allspice. Thyme. Cinnamon. Autumn leaves. Mushroom. Wet stone.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's an extraordinary amount of complexity packed into a beautifully medium-bodied Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love serious Australian Pinot Noir from \u003cstrong\u003eBy Farr, Bannockburn, Yarra Yering, Gembrook Hill, Giant Steps, Bindi or Bass Phillip\u003c\/strong\u003e, then \u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard deserves to be on your radar\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday's Philip Rich says it's worth every cent and more. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e$75 RRP\u003c\/strong\u003e, with scores of \u003cstrong\u003e97, 96 and 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e, tiny production and this vineyard story, I agree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Halliday. 96 R Review. 95 Wine Front. Only 180 cases.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Pinot Noir isn't just an under-the-radar discovery. It's one of the most exciting new Victorian Pinot Noirs we've come across.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Heroes Vineyard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52443216609582,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2024HeroesVineyardOtwayHinterlandPinotNoir.png?v=1786930255","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/2024-heroes-vineyard-otway-hinterland-chardonnay-copy","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}