Penfolds House Style is known for generosity and structure. How do those qualities show up differently in lighter‑bodied, aromatic styles?
With Pinot Noir, structure becomes a quieter underpinning rather than a declarative element. There is an influence drawn from our white winemaking, with emphasis on texture, line and balance. Oak is used judiciously, a mix of new and seasoned, alongside different coopers and, at times, alternative vessels such as cocciopesto amphora. The intention is not weight, but shape.
You’ve also spent time working in Napa Valley. What did that experience change – or sharpen – for you as a winemaker?
The 2022 Penfolds vintage in Napa Valley was an incredible opportunity, and an amazing part of the world to work in. It offered a broader perspective, particularly in seeing how different winemaking styles have evolved across regions, while still maintaining clear ties back to France.
You’re often out presenting these wines and meeting the people drinking them. What do you enjoy most about that side of the role?
Meeting passionate Penfolds drinkers is always humbling. What I enjoy most is seeing that moment when something clicks for them – a point where the wine resonates, and something new is understood or appreciated. These exchanges tend to stay with you.
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir has continued to evolve over recent years. When a wine has that level of history, how do you decide when to hold steady and when to gently adjust?
It is a balance of respect and curiosity. Bin 23 carries its history with assurance, but Pinot Noir, by nature, allows for subtle evolution. Working within a team that values both rigour and experimentation makes that process feel considered rather than reactive. Adjustments are made with intent, never at the expense of the wine’s character.
Looking ahead, what’s currently exciting you most in your work – whether it’s a variety, a place, or a way of thinking about wine?
The ongoing refinement of Pinot Noir remains compelling. There is always more to uncover, particularly in how structure and complexity can be shaped. The 2026 vintage introduced a number of small, deliberate trials. It will be the unfolding of those decisions, over time, that proves most interesting.
“Arguably the most enigmatic of all grape varietals, Pinot Noir is demanding of both viticulturist and winemaker, which makes it endlessly fascinating to work with.”
