2016 Port Phillip Quartier Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Vibrant and deeply scented nose of raspberry and red cherry along with intriguing aromas of wet rock and dark spices. The silky palate offers bramble fruit flavours and a moreish mid-palate sweetness that is balanced with fine tannins, great length and a touch of whole bunch spiciness on the finish.

A mix of Mornington Peninsula vineyards makes an impression here, and one of the signatures is a saline/maritime note to the perfume that naturally comes from the variety. Think red cherry, mostly, with other typical notes such as herb, spice, and some leaf and whole bunch derived sap – just a faint sense, finely tuned – adding flavour and texture to a fine, dusting in the finish.

Tony Love

Surrounded by mounds of native grasses and indigenous spotted gums, the new Port Phillip Estate winery, designed by Wood Marsh Architecture, emerges from the landscape as a dramatic curved sculpture made of rammed-earth. Inside, a large cellar door and tasting room, and a light-filled restaurant open out on to an expansive outdoor deck. Underneath, state-of-the-art winemaking facilities – a barrel room, bottling line, wine processing plant, cellaring and offices – share space with six luxury accommodation suites, complete with private decks. Views across the vines to the sea are panoramic.

The Port Phillip Estate winery is situated at Red Hill in the heart of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula wine region 80km south of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and owned by the Gjergja family. 

Winemaking is overseen by winemaker, Glen Hayley.