Description
Port Phillip Estate is a specialist Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir producer located on the Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia’s foremost cool-climate maritime wine regions. Meticulous sustainable viticulture and
sensitive minimalist winemaking produce site-expressive wines of elegance, complexity and structure. Port Phillip Estate wines are domain grown, vinified and bottled.
“We endeavour to grow the highest quality fruit that expresses the terroir of each vineyard. Our sustainable farming practices are driven by the belief that the health of our vineyard soils, and thus vines, underpin wine quality.
All grapes are hand pruned, shoot thinned and hand picked.” Winemaker Glen Hayley
“Since becoming chief winemaker at Port Phillip Estate a few years ago, Glen Hayley has taken the estate’s already good wines to new levels of quality and detail.” Max Allen
The Port Phillip Estate ‘Red Hill’ vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula at Red Hill, on Eocene volcanic soils. Our wines are made from domain grown, handpicked grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of our geology and soils with the macroclimate of our region, the mesoclimates of the various sites within our vineyard and the weather of the annual grape growing season. Our cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.
From the winemaker about the 2024 vintage: “It was a growing season with challenges and opportunities, and our viticulture team demonstrated agility and adaptability. Above-average rainfall during Winter recharged the soil moisture, which was crucial for healthy vine growth. Budburst commenced in early September. The vines enjoyed stable weather and moderate temperatures throughout Spring. During this period, our primary focus was managing the vine canopy and monitoring for pests and diseases. While our vineyards benefited from above-average rainfall during December and January, extra vigilance was required, and we adapted our vineyard practices, particularly canopy management, to mitigate the risks of diseases that thrive in wet conditions. Each weather event required us to be nimble, adapt our practices, and rely on our experience to ensure the highest possible fruit quality. Entering late Summer, the weather stabilised. Early February enjoyed sunny and mild conditions. Harvest commenced on 20 February, slightly earlier than usual and concluded on 21 March. Warm and dry conditions condensed the season. Exceptional efforts from our viticulture and winery teams ensured the timely delivery and processing of fruit. While yields were below long-term averages, the conditions proved favourable for pristine and optimally ripe fruit.
“Bright aromas of raspberry, crushed strawberry, and pomegranate sit at the core of the bouquet, supported by more complex layers of alpine herbs, forest floor, and subtle earthy tones. A hint of toasty oak adds warmth and structure to the aromatic profile. On the palate, red fruits take the lead, delivering freshness and vibrancy. The tannins are round and firm, offering both weight and length without overshadowing the fruit. Well-balanced and expressive, the wine finishes with clarity and a confident sense of structure.”
95 points, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot “A wine that is in no hurry, no sir. It takes its time from the slow build-up of the bouquet through to the firm hold across the palate. It teases the drinker with its clear and obvious potential and it’s easy to fall for its considerable charms. They emerge on the tightly coiled fragrance in black cherry, wild strawberry, rose, dried herbs and baking spices – all very neat and super fine. The palate highlights a grand display of ripe, generous red fruits, spices and herbs with a gentle injection of savouriness. Soaks up the French oak (18% new) and delivers a textural smoothness that runs long.”
91 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “Enticing aromas of florals, raspberry leaf and kirsch lead onto the mid-weighted palate, then meet up with flavours of spiced cherries and cedary oak. The tannins hold sway, firm yet sandy in texture, while the invigorating acidity keeps this buoyant.”
RRP $52 Our Special Price $38.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
