Pinot Noir, the dream of many a winemaker, has eluded the Billy Button range until now. There is very little Pinot Noir grown for red table wine in the region, with the vast majority planted for sparkling base. Jo didn’t want to tackle the variety unless she knew she could do it justice. Two factors aligned – firstly husband Glenn James started working in the business fulltime, after leaving his job as Chief Winemaker at Winemaking Tasmania, where he handled some of the best Pinot Noir fruit in Australia making highly acclaimed and awarded wines. Secondly, Jo and Glenn discovered the 25+ year old Tynan vineyard at Tawonga South, planted exclusively to Pinot Noir and recently reworked and rejuvenated.
Production Notes
A selection of MV6, D5V12. 114 and 115 clones were hand harvested. The fruit was separated into a number of small open fermenters with varying quantities of whole berries ranging from 25% to 75%.  Batches were fermented with either indigenous or selected yeasts, were hand plunged twice a day and pressed at the completion of primary fermentation. The parcels were matured on lees in a combination of French oak hogsheads and puncheons, using approximately 15% new oak.  Batches were kept separate until blending, crossflow filtration and bottling in January 2023.
Tasting notes
Earthy aromas interlaced with cherries and violets dance from the glass.  A savoury palate with hints of forest floor and dried cherries are complimented by delicate tannin and a fine backbone of acidity delivering a lingering finish.