Masterclass – A Brave New (Pinot) World

Revel in pinot noir at its most powerful. They’ll consider the benchmark – France – and new world nations holding their own in style: Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

These are big-ticket wines, each a dazzling expression of pinot noir and worthy of appreciation in its own right. Tasting them together is a rare luxury. Four brackets of two wines will star.

Host Meira Harel will be joined for this masterclass by winemakers Leah Adint and Ben Haines, plus wine professional Erin Larkin.

Adint is winemaker at Oregon pinot specialist Erath. Trained in Washington, she completed a masters in oenology at the University of Adelaide before a year as red and fortified winemaker with Berri Estates in the Riverland. From there Adint went worldwide, working vintages in France, California, England and Switzerland before returning to home shores.

Haines, meanwhile, launched his eponymous label following stints at Mitchelton and Mount Langi Ghiran. Two vintages at the biodynamic Chêne Bleu estate in southern France are also among highlights from his 20-year career to date.

Perth-based wine writer Larkin believes Australia is enjoying a golden era of wine. An advocate for drinking the best quality across every style and price range, she’s a former Halliday Tasting Team member now writing full-time for Robert Parker Wine Advocate.