The Pawn Wines El Desperado Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2025 - 12 Bottles

Winery Background
The Pawn is an artisan project started by Tom Keelan in the Adelaide Hills. It was born from a desire to rebel against big-winery norms and showcase underappreciated varietals through small-batch, passionate winemaking.

Vineyards and Vintage Conditions
The 2025 Pinot Noir hails from cool-climate sites in the Adelaide Hills, where the interplay of warm days and cool nights enhances elegance and purity in the fruit.

Winemaking Process
All clones were harvested together and wild-fermented in open-top fermenters. The grapes spent two days on skins before fermentation, followed by utilization of 10% whole bunches. The ferment, peaking at around 32 °C, was plunged twice daily, and the wine remained on skins post-fermentation before pressing into French oak puncheons for a six-month maturation and malolactic conversion.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of cherry cola, rose petals, and spice burst from the glass. On the palate, it is a lively expression with black cherry and cranberry fruit framed by balsamic richness and earth tones. A firm, dry finish signals this wine’s food-friendly nature.

Food Pairing
This Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with roasted duck, especially Peking duck, as well as grilled mushrooms or richer poultry dishes—thanks to its delicate balance and savoury complexity.

Awards & Accolades
No formal awards recorded for this vintage.

Story Behind the Wine
“El Desperado” was conceived in the challenging 2011 vintage—dubbed “the vintage from hell.” Rather than yield to adversity, Tom created something bold and unexpected. The 2025 Pinot continues that tradition of turning hardship into character. It’s a wine that stands out for its expression, spirit, and refusal to follow convention.