The Deitos vineyard, just South of Manjimup grows some of the most highly regarded fruit in the region. Most notably perhaps, it has found fame as the source for the award winning Lonely Shore Pinot Noir. The second time I was introduced to owner and vigneron Fabio Deitos (in 2023) he mentioned that he had made a few wines himself from the vineyard, and wasn’t far off releasing a Pinot Noir from the very good 2005 vintage. Now, if ever a wine were to spike ones curiosity, a current release, 18 year old Southern Forests Pinot would do it!
Deitos Pinot Noir 2005.
The wine comes to life after about 20-30 minutes air, so make sure you give it a good splash. The bouquet is particularly enchanting out of the decanter: shaved cocoa, leather and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, glimpses remain of red fruits that intertwine with mature flavours of earth, mushroom, charcuterie and caramel/toffee. There is a beautiful texture and mouth-feel throughout. Evidently, a core of strong ripe fruit and well-pitched acidity has carried this wine through its senescence. If you were to imagine the life cycle of this Pinot Noir as a single day, to drink it now you are enjoying it at sunset. The light is slowly fading, but with that comes the highlighting of a wondrous mosaic of fractured lights and colours, of captivating mature aromas and flavours. 14.4% alc.
* It is worth noting that both bottles I tried a conglomerate cork (of some description) has done the job perfectly and came out with ease. As far as I know this wine is still available from the newly opened cellar door on Towie road. The Shiraz, in particular, is also excellent.
The Wine Accomplice 