2022 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Power, poise, elegance and refinement. A marvellous expression of pinot from Mornington in a very good year. A little more whole bunch and new oak have been brought into the equation to support the power-laden fruit intensity. This is a high-class pinot with a vibrant high-energy palate, effortlessly extending through to a smooth elegant finish. There is real power here delivered with that subtle pinot finesse. This is built to last and at least 15 years in the cellar would be no problem.

98 points Ray Jordan winepilot.com

Matured in 85% new oak for 11 months and a further 18 months in bottle. The final blend has around 45% whole bunch inclusion. When you look at the tech details you might think ‘well that's a fair amount of fuss ie time and labour but when you taste the wine all of it fades away. Because here you'll find a treasure trove of Bing cherries, Mirabelle plums and staining mulberries. There is christmas magic of spices and bergamot skin. Shards of brulee toffee and persimmon. Tannins are sturdy but woven together with finite acidity. You'll be smacking your lips and tongue finding another nuance with each sip. It’s dizzyingly delightful and worth every moment of painstakingly considered preparation, for this is a wine that will stay with you. Drink now and will cellar for another 6 years. I’d be inclined to serve this with pork and black fungi dumplings and black vinegar. It doesn't need a lot, just the right bite.

97 points Shanteh Wale winepilot.com

This is up there as one of the finest Cri de Coeurs to date. It retains a core of cherry fruit, some kirsch, chinotto, blood orange juice and zest. Plus lots of spices and cedar wood flavours – not oaky, though. Fuller bodied, textural tannins with a little hazelnut skin feel to them, then fine acidity freshens the palate in time for another sip.

96 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

I like how fragrant this wine is, and how dry, and how spicy, and how well sustained. It’s as good a Pinot Noir as I’ve seen out of Crittenden Estate; actually it’s the best. Strawberry, red cherries, a gun smoke element, a minerally/ferrous note, and a long, impeccably-well-controlled dryness through the finish. Dry herb notes – let’s call them “Italian herbs” – murmur throughout. This is very good.

95 points Campbell Mattinson winefront.com.au

Deep-ish red-purple, bright and clear; the bouquet is sweetly cherry varietal, bold and brash, with a generous quota of oak. It has a firm tannin backbone that suggests either food or a stint in the cellar would suit it. A solid pinot noir with a big frame, that would surely reward some extra cellar time.

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Crittenden Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula is a beautifully expressive wine that highlights the best qualities of the region’s cool-climate terroir. Mornington Peninsula, known for its cool maritime climate and elevated vineyard sites, is a perfect location for growing Pinot Noir, and Crittenden Estate, under the expertise of winemaker Rollo Crittenden, has long been recognized for producing wines that truly reflect the unique character of the region.

The Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir is crafted from select parcels of Pinot Noir grapes from the estate’s top vineyard sites. The cool conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their vibrant acidity and developing complex flavors. The winemaking process is hands-off, with minimal intervention to allow the true character of the fruit to shine through. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to add texture and a soft, creamy mouthfeel.

In the glass, Crittenden Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir has a bright, ruby-red color, reflecting its youthful and fresh character. The nose is aromatic and inviting, with a bouquet of red fruit aromas such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by subtle floral notes of rose petals and violet. A hint of spice, along with earthy undertones of forest floor and a touch of vanilla from the oak aging, adds complexity and depth.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with smooth tannins and a silky texture. The red fruit flavors are vibrant and fresh, with juicy cherry, raspberry, and a touch of cranberry at the forefront. The wine’s acidity provides balance and lift, giving it a refreshing quality that’s characteristic of great Pinot Noir. The oak aging contributes a subtle richness, with notes of vanilla and a touch of spice. The finish is long and graceful, with lingering fruit and earthy notes that leave a satisfying, elegant aftertaste.

Crittenden Cri de Coeur Pinot Noir is a versatile and food-friendly wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its fresh fruit and soft tannins make it an excellent match for roasted poultry, such as duck or chicken, as well as grilled meats like lamb or pork. It also pairs wonderfully with earthy dishes like mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or with a meal, this Pinot Noir offers a wonderful balance of elegance and approachability.