Jane Eyre, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, 2021
Jane Eyre, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, 2021
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2032
About Jane Eyre, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, 2021
The most recent addition to Jane’s Australian portfolio, the fruit comes from The Yarra’s Thousand Candles Farm, which is highly regarded for the calibre and subtlety of its Pinots.
A small portion of whole bunch pressing (10%) and a gentle extraction highlights the aromatic qualities of the grape. On the nose strawberries and wildflowers with potpourri-like nuances. The palate has a very succulent and juicy edge that emits freshness, a crunchy appeal and a very bright finish.
This is a Pinot Noir designed for relatively early drinking, with the primary fruit at its peak right now. Over the next two to three years, the strawberry and cherry flavours will integrate further with the subtle oak, whilst the floral notes will become more pronounced. By 2029, expect the wine to show more secondary complexity with earthy undertones becoming more prominent. The wine's structure suggests it will hold well until 2031, though those who prefer primary fruit character should drink it sooner rather than later.
What the critics say:
"Aromas of red cherries and sliced strawberries are framed in red florals, a little oak spice and fresh, foresty notes. Fine and elegant palate with fresh, fine-grained tannins carrying bright red-cherry flavors. Drink over the next five years. Screw cap."
"Very pale garnet indeed. More of a caress than a tasting. Really rather lovely for those of us not looking for mass. Gently seductive now, though those who abhor the merest suggestion of beetroot may like to avoid. Clean and fresh and no obvious oak."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceVery pale garnet with a bright, translucent rim.
NoseStrawberries and red cherries lead, followed by wildflowers and potpourri-like aromatics. There's a gentle forest floor note with just a whisper of oak spice, whilst red florals add to the wine's delicate perfume.
PalateSucculent and juicy with remarkable freshness, the wine has a crunchy, almost electric quality. Fine-grained tannins carry bright red cherry flavours without any heaviness. There's the faintest suggestion of beetroot earthiness that some may find divisive.
FinishVery bright and clean with lingering red fruit and floral notes.
Overall impressionThis is Pinot Noir as caress rather than statement, emphasising elegance and aromatic complexity over power.
Food Pairings
In the Yarra Valley, this style of Pinot would traditionally accompany the region's excellent local produce. Think roasted duck from the Yarra Valley's many fine restaurants, served with cherry sauce and seasonal vegetables. The wine's bright acidity makes it perfect with salmon from the nearby coast, particularly when simply grilled with herbs. Local chefs often pair it with mushroom dishes featuring the region's prized fungi, or with the excellent local cheeses like those from Yarra Valley Dairy.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C to emphasise its freshness and delicate aromatics. No need to decant this wine as it's designed to show its charm immediately upon opening. Use a large Burgundy glass to concentrate the floral aromatics whilst allowing the wine to breathe. The screw cap closure means it can be enjoyed over a couple of days if stored properly in the fridge.
Thousand Candles Farm in the Yarra Valley benefits from the region's cool climate and varied soils. The vineyard sits in one of Australia's most respected cool-climate regions, where morning fog and afternoon breezes from Port Phillip Bay create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The combination of ancient volcanic soils and careful site selection allows the fruit to ripen slowly whilst retaining the natural acidity that gives this wine its bright, crunchy appeal.
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's most celebrated wine region, established in the 1860s but truly coming into its own from the 1980s onwards. Located just an hour from Melbourne, it's recognised as one of Australia's premier cool-climate regions, particularly for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region's reputation rests on its ability to produce wines with European elegance rather than the power associated with warmer Australian regions. Unlike the Barossa or McLaren Vale, the Yarra prioritises finesse and aromatics over concentration.
The 2021 vintage in South Australia arrived with the kind of weather story that makes winemakers simultaneously grateful and grey-haired. A wet winter and spring recharged the soils after years of drought, but then came the summer heat that tested everyone's nerve. The Barossa and McLaren Vale saw their usual warm conditions, whilst Adelaide Hills enjoyed the cooling influence that keeps their Chardonnay and Pinot singing. Harvest timing became crucial as growers watched sugar levels climb whilst trying to preserve the natural acidity that gives these wines their backbone.
What emerged from the cellars shows remarkable concentration without the jammy over-ripeness that can plague hot Australian vintages. The Shiraz carries proper South Australian power but with a mineral spine that keeps things interesting, whilst Grenache from the old vine sites in Barossa delivers spice and perfume rather than just fruit weight. Cabernet Sauvignon found its sweet spot between intensity and freshness, particularly in Coonawarra where the terra rossa soils worked their usual magic. These wines are drinking beautifully now for early enjoyment, though the best structured reds will reward cellaring until 2030.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Light and elegant with strawberries, red cherries, and wildflowers. It's fresh and juicy with fine tannins and a bright, clean finish.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so until around 2031, though it's at its most vibrant in the next few years.
What food should I pair it with?
Perfect with salmon, roasted duck, mushroom dishes, or soft cheeses. Its bright acidity makes it versatile with lighter meats and fish.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C in a large Burgundy glass. No need to decant, just open and pour.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
It can age gracefully for several years, but it's designed for enjoyment now. If you prefer fresh, bright fruit flavours, drink it sooner rather than later.
How does this compare to other Australian Pinot Noir?
This is classic Yarra Valley style - elegant and restrained rather than powerful. It emphasises finesse over concentration, making it more European in character than many Australian Pinots.
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