2022 Crittenden Zumma Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

This is a marvellous product of an ideal Mornington vintage. The perfumes of cherry and fresh berry are just delightful with a spicy violet-like fragrance. The palate is thoroughly beautiful, striking a balance between what appears to be super fine-grained oak, fine tannins and supple medium-bodied fruit. Has a silky satiny mouthfeel that tends to conceal the power and drive. Outstanding wine.

96 points Ray Jordan winepilot.com

Matured in 15% new oak for 11 months and a further 15 months in bottle prior to release. The Zumma, usually a mix of clones, stands out for its underfoot aromas. Clay and terra cotta, red sand and pine mushroom notes, but that's not before you get hit with rosehip, raspberry and macerated red cherries. There is a tea rose note that lifts the wine into heavenly heights. The palate is focused and tannins are powdery and fine. Acidity jogs along but isn't shrill. It’s earthy and graceful too, just like a wood fairy might be. Always a very consistent wine for its description of place. Drink now and will cellar for another 3-4 years. A lovely wine for paperbark baked barramundi over the coals.

95 points Shanteh Wale winepilot.com

A lovely balance to wines off the low yielding ’22 vintage; it has to count for something. Zumma has a certain structure and detail, with the oak superbly integrated. It’s full of sweet cherries, blood orange, lots of baking spices and some cooling menthol with a whiff of damp autumn leaves. The more mid-weighted palate fleshes out with textural tannins and the acidity keeping everything lively. There’s a succulence, too.

95 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Bright and deep-ish red-purple colour; the bouquet has spicy and forest-floor aromas, classy oak adding a smoky note, dark cherries and abundant fleshy tannins that add a note of firmness to the finish and aftertaste. A well built pinot that has a certain future in the cellar, and the backbone to cope with hearty foods.

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Crittenden Zumma Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula is a vibrant and approachable red wine that captures the essence of one of Australia’s best cool-climate regions. The Mornington Peninsula, with its coastal influences and fertile soils, is renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, and Crittenden Estate, a family-owned winery, has been at the forefront of showcasing the region’s potential. The Zumma Pinot Noir is one of their standout wines, crafted to offer a fruit-driven, easy-drinking style with great depth and complexity.

The winemaker behind Crittenden Estate, Rollo Crittenden, has a long-standing commitment to producing wines that are expressive of both the region and the individual vineyard sites. The Zumma Pinot Noir is sourced from some of the estate's finest Pinot Noir vineyards, where the cool climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving their natural acidity and fresh fruit flavors. The wine is fermented in small batches with minimal intervention to allow the true characteristics of the fruit to shine through.

In the glass, Crittenden Zumma Pinot Noir has a vibrant ruby red color, hinting at its youth and freshness. The nose is aromatic, with lovely scents of ripe red berries like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, balanced by subtle floral notes of violet and rose petals. A touch of spice and earthy undertones of mushroom and forest floor add depth, giving the wine a lovely complexity that invites you to take another sip.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a smooth, silky texture and soft tannins. The red fruit flavors are fresh and lively, with the cherry and raspberry notes coming through on the mid-palate, while the wine’s natural acidity provides a refreshing lift. There’s a delicate earthiness and spice on the finish, adding further complexity and leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste.

Crittenden Zumma Pinot Noir is a versatile and food-friendly wine, perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, such as duck or chicken, as well as grilled meats like lamb. It also works well with earthy dishes like mushroom risotto, grilled vegetables, or charcuterie. Its soft tannins and bright fruit also make it a great choice with cheeses like Brie or goat cheese.