Jacob's Creek does Pinot Noir

Jacob's Creek, one of Australia's leading wine brands, has launched a new wine. It's a Pinot Noir, priced at £5.99 and available in Co-op stores nationwide.

I gave it a try. My verdict? I was pleasantly surprised. It's not Grand Cru Burgundy, but it actually tastes like Pinot Noir. It sounds like I'm damning it with faint praise, but I'd be interesting to see how this fared in a line-up of blind Pinot Noirs from the New World. Here's my note:

Jacob's Creek Pinot Noir 2006 Southeast Australia
Not too dark (a good thing for Pinot) with a sweet nose of redcurrants and cherry fruit, with a herbal tang. The palate is quite light with balanced ripe fruit and a bit of herby, subtly medicinal complexity. A nice new world style Pinot with admirable restraint. 84/100 (£5.99 Coop)