Xavier Avon Pinot Noir 2024

Xavier Wines, established by the passionate and innovative Xavier Goodridge, is swiftly making its mark as an exciting, boutique producer in Victoria’s Gippsland wine region. Known for a minimal-intervention approach, Xavier crafts expressive wines that beautifully reflect their unique vineyard sites. The Avon Pinot Noir 2024 is a refined expression of the cooler sub-region in Maffra, capturing the vineyard’s elegance, vibrancy, and nuanced complexity, and showcasing the remarkable finesse that has become the hallmark of Xavier’s wines.

The Avon vineyard benefits from its cool climate, higher elevation, and diverse soils composed primarily of volcanic-derived clays, sandy loams, and iron-rich gravels. This unique terroir fosters Pinot Noir grapes characterised by bright acidity, refined tannins, and subtle mineral undertones. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle fermentation with native yeasts, followed by ageing in predominantly neutral French oak barrels (30% new), preserving varietal purity, freshness, and elegant balance.

Appearance: Bright, luminous ruby-red with youthful garnet hues, showcasing remarkable clarity, vibrancy, and elegance. Medium-bodied viscosity gently coats the glass, forming delicate, slow-moving tears.

Aroma: Expressive and inviting aromas of fresh cherries, wild raspberries, and delicate cranberries, harmoniously interwoven with floral nuances of rose petals and violets. Subtle hints of forest floor, gentle spice, and earthy minerality enhance complexity and intrigue.

Taste: Elegantly structured palate, presenting refined flavours of red cherry, ripe raspberry, and subtle cranberry, complemented by nuanced layers of gentle spices, subtle black tea leaf, and earthy minerality. Polished tannins and lively acidity ensure impeccable balance and sophisticated elegance.

Finish: Long-lasting, graceful finish, echoing vibrant red fruits, delicate spices, subtle earthiness, and mineral freshness. Its refined tannins fade gently, leaving an enduring impression of finesse and elegance.

Food Pairing: Beautifully paired with roasted duck breast served alongside cherry reduction and wild mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon accompanied by sautéed greens and a delicate herb-butter sauce.