The lifted pretty aromatics give way to similar vibrant spice on the palate. There is plenty of lush generous fruit alongside juicy red cherries, supported by clove, nutmeg and five spice. Soft velvet like tannins work with the bright acid to contribute to a sustained length of flavour.
Flanders also sees a growing consumer awareness of those differences, where people are genuinely interested in the difference between say Tuerong and Merricks. “Then again, there are a lot of people that just think Mornington is Mornington and Yarra Valley is Yara Valley,” he says, noting that there is a general view of Mornington pinots being on the more fruit-rich side. With an interest in Champagne, Brian bouchard chassagne montrachet Stonier planted the first chardonnay in 1978, with pinot following in 1982, the same year Garry Crittenden established Dromana Estate. The use of concrete vessels is no experiment either- it’s a style of vessel that has been traditionally used for centuries in the Old World. We have chosen each shape specifically to enhance the texture of the varietal within them and these beautiful, hand crafted vessels will last lifetimes. Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir is the perfect wine to take when you don’t know what’s for dinner.
Join us and support emerging winemakers, sustainable vineyards, and the development of young professionals. Victoria Pun began her career as a speech pathologist, but she was diverted following a tasting in the Yarra Valley. After being offered a casual job opportunity as a cellar door assistant in 2019, her interest in wine deepened, beginning a first role in hospitality that was disrupted by the pandemic. Pun passed the Advanced Sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2022 while working at Vue de Monde. She is the recipient of the Sommelier Australia Education Scholarship in 2022 and is currently pouring at The Recreation Bistro & Bottleshop. Simon Black is the winemaker at Red Hill’s Montalto, setting up the winery in 2009 and having run it ever since.
Many early plantings contained some of the Bordeaux red varieties, though principally cabernet sauvignon, along with riesling, a buzz variety in the ’70s and early ’80s. Pinot noir had been planted many years earlier, in the late 1930s, in a small plot at what is now Morning Star Estate. The Restaurant at Montalto - a seasonal, multi-course set menu by Head Chef Adam Johnston, crafted with estate-grown produce and paired to our wines.
Montalto Pinot Noir - a benchmark Mornington Peninsula style; red-fruited, supple, beautifully balanced. Thoughtful and evocative, the Two Paddocks 2024 shows exotic wild herb, red brick and shist derived aromatics. This drives the entry into an enveloping rich, warm, succulent and elegant mouthfeel. The wine is tightly packed and complete, showing tactile finesse and persistence whilst also delivering generosity and enjoyment in its youth. We are committed to supporting independent wine producers who pour their hearts and soul into every bottle.
It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Wines in the range are made using select Mornington Peninsula fruit by the good people at Yarra Valley stalwarts and former Secret Bottle featured winery Mandala. Maressa wines were created by Charles Smedley and David Fesq, with a goal to express the delicious, refreshing styles that Mornington Peninsula does so well. All the grapes are grown in the Mornington region, and are made under the attentive hand of the Mandala winery team.
A lively bouquet of red berry aromas, including fresh strawberry, cranberry and red cherry, complemented by soft notes of plum and a touch of orange zest. Intriguing hints of fresh spice from whole bunch fermentation add complexity, while earthy undertones and a trace of oak lend subtle depth. The palate delivers a vibrant expression of flavour, with juicy strawberry and dark cherry taking the spotlight. A rustic tannin structure provides balance and support, enhancing the wine's fruit-forward profile. Bright, refreshing acidity carries the flavours through to a long finish.
Aromas of spiced rhubarb, juicy red cherries, Asian five spice and vanilla mingle with earthy notes and the distinct fruity spice notes of sassafras forest. It develops with spices from the whole bunch inclusion and French oak barrels. The palate is elegantly structured, offering a harmonious interplay of vibrant acidity and silky tannins. Mid-palate, the wine reveals layers of cranberry and pomegranate, complemented by a whisper of earthy minerality.
Fresh acidity and polished tannins with a long elegant red fruited finish. “A generosity of fruit that was pure and fresh without leaning into those compote profiles,” she wrote. “Juicy fresh raspberry and pomegranate, refreshing acidity and ripe tannins showcase a delightful purity of fruit. There’s some soft earthy elements and a fine-boned structure, but the beauty of this is its approachability and restraint. Such a generous mid-palate without the sweeter elements, showcasing very good judgment in picking time and handling. Unapologetically delicious.” Nadeson and Buckle had this in second place on their lists.
With nearly 18 months in bottle the rich yet elegant Lily is really staring to show itself. The wine has developed beautifully, the oak has integrated to become a background flavour and the fruit has really begun to sing. Juicy fruit flavours and tannins balancing the wine to the finish. With Secret Bottle, you can say goodbye to predictable choices and hello to a world of exciting possibilities. We handpick a diverse range of wines, meticulously chosen to showcase the unique flavours, regions, and stories that make them exceptional. Our selection process involves rigorous tastings, vineyard visits, and engaging with winemakers to ensure that every bottle we offer reflects our dedication to quality and authenticity.
Sustainability threads through and underpins our approach to everything we do. We are Justin Bubb and Anna Pooley and we have each been making wine across the globe for over 20 years. After living and working in Tasmania making wine for a number of premium vineyards throughout the state the time has come for us to release our own wines alongside working with our existing clients. Intensely aromatic, a darker fruit spectrum and complex savoury spice is interwoven seamlessly with firm, structural tannin. Sweat and sour cherries, earth, spice and a lovely elegant structure. Picardy Pinots exhibit finesse and complexity, inspired by the great Pinot Noir wines of the old world.
Ten percent whole bunch inclusion with maturation taking place in French oak for a period of 9 months. Semi translucent red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Wonderfully perfumed the nose sees aromas of violets, red cherries and strawberries sailing through the olfactory senses with hints of dried herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar also evident. Light, fresh and supple in its feel the palate is decorated with red cherry, rhubarb, bramble, forest floor, dried herb and spicy cedar flavours. Very polished tannins and bright acidity with a seamless red fruited conclusion.
This Pinot is deep ruby red with brilliant clarity and aromas of black cherry, cranberries, cola root, and spice. With time, more undergrowth and savage characters come to the fore. The palate has a core of red fruits and gentle oak spices that lead to a structured and generous finish.
“As opposed to other Victorian pinot regions, the defining thing is that we’ve got three bodies of water around us,” says Garagiste’s Barnaby Flanders, who has worked in the region for two decades, including at Moorooduc Estate. Like many youthful Australian wine regions, that exploration of site differences and mapping out areas of similarity to identify subregions is a critical one. Also like many regions, the borders employ existing political boundaries, with the edges blurring together, even if the generalities hold true.
Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir 2021
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5 min read
