The spicy, fresh, medium-bodied, peppery 2001 Pinot Noir Geelong reveals a ruby/garnet color along with a notion of the distinctive Old Bay spice used in preparing Maryland steamed crabs. Although too peppery and vegetal for my taste, it is an unusual but well-made Pinot Noir that should last for 2-5 years. This winery consistently receives rave reviews in the Australian press, no doubt because they are considered cool climate, European-styled wines. While certainly well made, they are often slightly austere. My experience has shown there are few Australian wineries that can out-finesse and out-complex the finest French wines made from the same varietals (obviously, there are exceptions to this rule). However, I am speaking from an American perspective as we have access to the finest French wines, whereas in Australia it can be very difficult to find high class Loire, Burgundy, and Rhone wines. Consequently, Australian wines made in those styles are treated more generously than the actual quality of the wine merits, in large part because Aussie consumers do not have the enormous availability of French wines that we have state-side.Imported by USA Wine West, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800) 485-5753 for John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection.