There’s a quiet confidence that comes from working with the land for generations and producing quality wines that speak for themselves. That’s the energy behind Angullong’s newest releases: two reds from its Fossil Hill range that reflect both place and patience. The 2024 Pinot Noir makes its debut, while the 2023 Barbera returns with the ease of a favourite that’s only getting better with time.
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Pinot Noir is the newcomer here. Orange’s cool-climate credentials are increasingly being recognised for this notoriously picky grape, and Angullong is embracing that shift. The vineyard planted a mix of Pinot clones across their elevated vineyards to build complexity from the ground up. In the winery, the fruit was handled with care: a cold soak, daily plunging, and a stint in French oak puncheons to round things out. The result? A lighter-style red with bright cherry flavours and a hint of spice, finishing smooth and easy on the palate.
Sitting alongside the Pinot Noir is the 2023 Barbera, marking the vineyard’s 20th vintage for this variety. Owner and vigneron Ben Crossing says, “We are growing in confidence with this variety and believe that this vintage, along with the past few, are our best.”
Around 20 per cent of the grapes were left as whole berries during fermentation, which helps dial up the fragrance and colour. Then it was into French oak, not to mask anything, but to complement the fruit. You get those lifted, bright red cherry notes Barbera is known for, but with a depth that feels earned.
Under winemaker Jeff Byrne’s hand, there’s been a noticeable shift in style: less interference, more expression. These are wines that let the fruit do the talking. And the fruit, grown on soils layered with ancient marine fossils, has plenty to say.
The Fossil Hill name nods to the ancient seabed beneath the vineyard, where marine fossils dating back 450 million years lie buried in the limestone-rich soil. It’s a quiet reminder of the land’s deep history, and a subtle influence on the wines it produces.
Both wines are available directly from the cellar door or online. They are also available through Fisher Fine Wines in NSW and QLD.
- 2024 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Pinot Noir (Orange Region, NSW): $30
- 2023 Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Barbera (Orange Region, NSW): $30