2022 ‘CRUEL MISTRESS’ PINOT NOIR. Larry Cherubino. Australia

To be precise this is from Porongurup and Denmark, near the Frankland River, in the deep south of Western Australia. A relatively cool region in which lighter varieties like Pinot can flourish.

100% Pinot Noir, matured in French oak (but no new oak) for 6 months.

Ad Hoc is the ‘affordable label’ from Larry Cherubino. Larry is one of the trendy new breed of Aussie winemakers trying to dispel the traditional image of big, clumsy wines for which his country has become known.

“Hints of lipstick and leather” says the label – and quite right too. Red fruit and spice and earth all mingling successfully to make a bright but interesting Pinot.