Philip Shaw The Wire Walker Pinot Noir 2025 is an accessible, expressive expression of Orange Pinot Noir — a variety that has found a natural home at altitude in the Central Ranges of New South Wales. Fragrant with cherry and strawberry fruit, underpinned by savoury spice and a subtle savoury character, it delivers genuine Pinot Noir delicacy alongside the concentration and softness that 2025's favourable growing season produced. Vibrant, juicy and persistently fresh, it is an excellent introduction to the cool-climate elegance that defines Philip Shaw's approach to this variety.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Ruby red.
Aroma: Cherries and strawberry jam with underlying subtle savouriness and spice.
Palate: Impressive concentration and vibrant lift, with depth of flavour and juicy drinkability. Resolute and intense while retaining Pinot Noir delicacy.
Vineyard & Region
Orange is one of Australia's most distinguished cool-climate wine regions, situated at altitude in the Central Ranges of New South Wales. The elevation — among the highest of any Australian wine region — delivers the long, cool growing seasons that allow Pinot Noir to develop genuine fragrance, fine structure and natural acidity. Philip Shaw has been sourcing and producing from Orange for decades and The Wire Walker represents his commitment to producing approachable, high-quality wines that express the region's character clearly and honestly.
Winemaking
The 2025 Wire Walker was harvested in the cool of the night to preserve freshness and aromatics. Whole berry fermentation in open vats retained fruit purity and natural perfume. Cap management via gentle plunging and pump overs built texture without extracting harsh tannins. The wine was pressed at dryness and aged in older French oak for ten months, with natural malolactic fermentation completing in barrel. Lees maturation over this period added weight and mid-palate complexity without obscuring the wine's primary fruit character.
2025 Growing Season
A mild winter with beneficial rainfall led to an early start to spring. Wild storms later in the season required careful disease management in the vineyard. Dry, warm conditions immediately ahead of harvest ultimately produced wines with richness of flavour, softness and concentration — a season that rewarded careful viticulture.
Cellaring & Serving
Drinking well now and suited to early enjoyment through to approximately 2030. In WSD's view, The Wire Walker is designed for approachable drinking rather than extended cellaring, though good examples of Orange Pinot Noir at this quality level will hold comfortably for 3–5 years. Serve at 14–16°C, slightly below typical room temperature, to preserve freshness and lift.
Food Pairing
Beautifully versatile at the table. Roast duck, confit duck and duck ragu are natural partners. Roast chicken, pork fillet and mushroom-based dishes all complement the wine's savoury complexity. Salmon with pinot-friendly preparations and soft washed-rind cheeses also work well.
