Description
What started as a part time job to earn a few dollars during his university days turned into a committed obsession. Winemaker Michael Aylward honed his craft at his family owned winery, Kooyong, spending time out in the vineyard, in the winery and on the road and the net result was a desire to make this his career. Following the sale of Kooyong in 2003 the next chapter began back in business with his parents to form Ocean Eight taking on the role of Winemaker and General Manager. Mike undertook several study tours amongst the hallowed vineyards and cellars of Burgundy.
In 2011 he won the highly coveted “Young Gun Of Wine” award judged by eading wine writers Max Allen, Philip Rich and Nick Stock.
The Mornington Peninsula has become one of the most sought-after regions in Australia for the production of high quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
When defining what identifies the Ocean Eight wines, Mike Aylward always returns to two ideas he has worked on since the first release wine; how well are they going to match with food and will they best represent the climate and grape growing conditions of the Mornington Peninsula.
Therefore the Ocean Eight wines are lean, bright & tight with acid at the finish. These characters help the wines pair with food and age incredibly well. It is no coincidence that these characters are also intrinsic to the cool, maritime conditions of Mornington Peninsula vineyards, where the Aylward’s chose to grow grapes and make wines over 20 years ago.
About this wine: 100% estate grown fruit, wild ferments, destemmed 100% to showcase the delicacy of the fruit. Clones 114, 115 & MV6. Vines planted 1999. The vineyard is one of the most northerly on the Mornington Peninsula landmass. Planted in 1999, the Pinot Noir paddock features 16 acres of vines made up of the clones 114, 115 & MV6. The combination of these clones, the vineyard site & horticultural practises (e.g. yield restrictions & soils protection), produce Pinot Noir that is elegant, flavoursome, aromatic & delicate.
The 2023 vintage was made from a smaller than usual crop yield, due to disrupted anthesis and subsequent pollination. From this fruit, the wine produced has a lovely bouquet of freshly picked light red fruits that leaps out of the glass. To taste, there is the sensation of dark red cherries supported by gentle tannins to complete the package of an elegant Pinot Noir.
93 points, The Real Review “Light and bright ruby with a purple tinge at the rim. Black cherry, forest floor and capocollo aromatics. A fuller and more powerful style, ripe black cherries are the driver with curing pork and earthy undertones adding layers of complexity. Good length, stays powerful and focused by sandy tannins right to the long finish. Best served with food to match its power.”
RRP $59 Our Special Price $48.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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