Canberra Australian Capital Territory
The Lark Hill winery was established in 1978, at 860m above sea level by Sue and Dave Carpenter. It is a real family affair now, as they were joined by their son Chris in 2002. In 2003 they sought Biodynamic certification for their vineyard (minimum 5 year transition) and in 2008 they released the first vintage of ‘Certified Biodynamic’ under the Lark Hill label.
Pinot Noir is a natural fit with Biodynamic. You need 100% attention in the vineyard and a fastidious nature to coax all the aromas and flavours out of the grapes. Throw in the cool climate of Canberra, the hot air from the politicians (You need a bit of warmth to ripen the grapes) and the waxing and waning of the moon and you have a great match. The 2010 vintage is considered one of the classic vintages of Lark Hill, as they had a warm summer, with a cool Autumn and some much needed rain. (The vineyard is not irrigated).
A medium bodied wine that is elegant and savoury with fine grained tannins and a supple palate. Lark Hill Pinots are always some of the better examples from the Canberra district, carrying an extra level of finesse thanks to its elevated and windy site. The wine looks particularly spicy and savoury too, quite meaty and dense with firm tannins and dark cherry fruit. A Duck wine if ever there was one.