CRFT’s stunning wines are the work of Candice Helbig and Frewin Ries from their serene property, tucked away in the Piccadilly Valley. Their certified organic Arranmore Vineyard is almost other-worldly, with 150 year old trees lining the driveway, old fruit trees with chickens scratching around their pint-sized winery and cellar door. The couple are passionate about organic viticulture and there are plans for a new winery on the property.
All wines are small block, single vineyard and as such, very limited – a story of site, soil and season.
CRFT Arranmore Pinot Noir 2021
Quite a classic wine – firm and correct, medium bodied, linear, savoury, reminding me of the pinots from Beaune. Lifted florals with some ripe whole bunch influence of clove, licorice and aniseed. Focused, compact and coiled with brambly fruit, cranberry, savoury spice and ripe authoritative tannins. Nothing showy. A discreet wine, with pin point balance and for those who read our notes, I love the squeeze of tannin. Ideal for the table.
CRFT Whisson Lake Pinot Noir 2021
I’m not sure if there’s a better pinot noir vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, but I doubt it. I love the fact that for all the comparisons with Burgundy, the pinots from Whisson Lake are entire unto themselves. Soaring aromatics of rhubarb, spiced plum, cranberry, cherry, geranium, lavender and star anise. Voluptuous curvy palate. Mouth coating, sensual and velvet. Whisson Lake pinots absorb new oak beautifully, in this case 25% French. Middle Eastern five spice dust the palate adding additional textural intrigue, whilst the whole bunches pull the palate sideways, offering width. A thoroughly enjoyable, compelling and unique wine of so much interest and pleasure.
