Port Phillip Estate Balnarring Pinot Noir 2023

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.” 

About this wine from the winery: “Our Balnarring vineyard was established in 1997. The original plantings comprise two distinct areas of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A third area has been planted to Pinot Noir, exploiting the higher-density planting matrix found throughout the Pinot Noir growing regions of the Old World.

“The Port Phillip Estate ‘Balnarring’ vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula at Balnarring, on Miocene sedimentary 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.

“This wine was fermented in a combination of large-format wooden foudre and stainless-steel tanks. The ferment, with a portion of whole bunches, commenced spontaneously with ambient yeasts and lasted 18 days. Following fermentation, the wine was pressed and racked into French oak barriques (of which 20% were new) and underwent indigenous malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked only for bottling, with a total maturation period of 11 months. It was then bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.”

About the 2023 vintage:  “Yields were lower than average due to the cool and wet 2022 Spring. Despite the low yields, fruit quality is exceptional.”

“Aromas of both red and blue fruits leap from the glass, intertwining notes of dark cherries and boysenberries, with delicate hints of violet florals. Intriguing layers of brown spice, subtle green olive, and earthy undertones add depth and complexity. The palate showcases a velvety core of raspberry and dark cherry flavours. The tannins, polished and refined, carry a subtle toasty essence, while a refreshing acidity guides the wine with finesse. Vibrant, opulent, and intricately layered, this wine is delightful for immediate enjoyment, yet promises greater depth with medium-term cellaring.”

95 points, Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot “A wonderful example of region and variety. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas with a little dried herb character. The palate is intense with a slightly chalky mouth feel. Impeccable oak and fruit balance with the of large format foudres allowing the fruit to express itself beautifully.”

RRP $49  Our Price $37.99

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