Description
Stonier is one of the pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula, planted at Merricks in 1978. Since 2022, the winery is back in local ownership with a focus on being a benchmark Australian cool climate producer. The vineyard is located on the cooler East side of the Peninsula on red volcanic soil and is now farmed using organic principles.
About this wine from the winemakers: “2025 will no doubt be described by many as one of the great vintages of the last 25 years, if not the greatest. A warm spring and early summer rainfall gave way to an extended warm and dry period but without significant heat spikes. The above average temperatures in Spring ensured that the season ran early and all fruit was in the winery before April. Notable increase in colour and colour stability was seen in Pinot which we attribute to both the season and increased vineyard health as we progress further into the new ownership and refocussed farming.
“The fruit for Stonier Pinot Noir is derived from a selection of mature vineyards scattered across the Mornington Peninsula, with a focus towards the region’s cooler south, near our small town of Merricks where the winery is located. In 2025, it was evident early that there was going to be a good amount of fruit weight and stem ripeness was also developing early. As such, the inclusion of stem rose to around 15% in the 2025 version of this wine. Pinot Noir ferments were hand-picked, chilled overnight, 15% bunch inclusion on the base of the fermenter (all 2.3 or 2.6 T stainless open tops), with remainder of the fruit going over the sorting line before whole berry destemming. 100% Wild ferments. Upon evidence of fermentation (cap formation), ferments are plunged only once day. Everything about the process is attempting lengthen the time on skins to 17-19 days.
“Red to blue fruits, and far more density and depth than previous Stonier Pinot’s. The typical varietal aromas of wild strawberry and foraged pine mushrooms are prevalent, but the palate is where the wine shines brightest. Full and brooding through the mid palate and finishing with svelte tannin, this will suitably deliver for lovers of Pinot. “
95 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “This wine, perhaps more than any other in the range, proves that Stonier is in the best of winemaking and wine growing hands. Buy this, cellar it, drink it. I’ve loved this ‘standard’ Stonier Pinot Noir for decades but I dare say that this is the best release that I’ve tried. Sheesh. It’s complex, it’s cohesive, it’s balanced and it feels authentic, the latter both to its variety and to its region. Mostly and ultimately though it’s more-ish. It’s cherried and strawberried and plummy and sweet spiced, with soil or undergrowth notes interwoven. Tannin profile is top notch, and the balance between juicy drinkability and tension is so perfectly judged. Last year’s releases gave an excellent insight into the uptick of Stonier but this year’s releases take things up again.”
95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “There’s volume, there’s flavour, there’s definition, there’s delight with every sip. Wonderful aromas of florals, autumn leaves, wood spices and warm earth filter through to the mid-weighted palate. In wait, dark cherries, pips, blood orange zest, chinotto and spicy oak, with textural tannins and lively acidity. There’s much more detail coming through this vintage. Nice one.”
95 points, Melissa Moore, The Real Review “Deep ruby and fragrant with aromas of baked strawberry tart and bramble over spiced cedar, dried orange peel, clove, cinnamon, and a note of forest mushroom. Plush and enveloping with bright, tangy acidity and bittersweet Campari cutting against the fruit, fine tannins woven throughout and carrying a ferrous note to the close. Quite the wine. “
RRP $49 Our Special Price $37.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
