Fetherston ‘Fungi’ Pinot Noir 2023 by Fetherston from the Yarra Valley is a bright, frisky, modern Pinot – light‑bodied yet packed with red‑fruited flavour and earthy nuance – that’s tailor‑made for drinkers who like their Pinot elegant rather than plush. Semi‑translucent ruby in the glass, it opens with fragrant cherry and strawberry, raspberry and delicate rose, plus violets, forest floor, bramble and spicy dried herbs that nod to the “Fungi” name without ever feeling rustic.

On the palate you get crunchy red cranberry, pomegranate, red cherry and raspberry, all dancing with earthy and sweet spices, a touch of beetroot and blueberry and that light peppery, mineral dust grip that keeps things lively. It’s medium‑bodied to light, with high, refreshing acidity, crunchy yet polished tannins and a clean, long finish trailing off in red fruit skin, forest spice and a dry, savoury line – Fetherston ‘Fungi’ Pinot Noir 2023 definitely doesn’t drift into sweetness.

This style is brilliant with mushroom dishes (think risotto or wild‑mushroom pizza), grilled salmon, duck breast, game birds or even a simple charcuterie plate where its bright red fruit and earthy complexity can really shine. Drink it now for maximum brightness, lightly chilled if you like, or over the next five years as the forest‑floor and spice notes deepen – it’s already sitting near 92‑point territory with critics and has the balance to age gracefully.