2022 Montalto Estate Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

A rather pale ruby yet bright; it’s a pretty pinot and very perfumed with florals, dried mint and warm spices. The palate comes in tight with feathery tannins in the back, tangy, puckering acidity leading the charge. A little sinewy in youth and needs more time to add some flesh to its bones.

92 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula is a beautifully detailed, finely tuned wine that captures the elegance and layered complexity the region is so well known for. Crafted from select parcels across Montalto’s Red Hill and Main Ridge vineyards, it’s a Pinot that speaks clearly of place — all lifted aromatics, red berry charm and a savoury, mineral undercurrent that gives it tension and grace.

Winemaker Simon Black treats Pinot Noir with a light touch. Hand-picked fruit is wild-fermented in small batches, often with a portion of whole bunches (typically around 15 to 25 percent) to bring aromatic lift and fine tannin structure. Maturation in French oak (around 25 percent new) follows, adding spice and finesse without overwhelming the fruit.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of raspberry, cherry, rose petal and subtle spice. There’s a gentle forest floor and flinty edge beneath the fruit, with a whisper of oak. The palate is silky and mid-weight, built around red berry fruit, bright acidity, and fine, chalky tannins. It flows with quiet energy and finishes long and savoury, with a lovely persistence.

Food pairing: Ideal with duck breast and cherry glaze, wild mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or roast beetroot with goats cheese and thyme. A great match for soft cheeses like Taleggio or Époisses.

Cellar potential: Delicious now with a short decant, but will age well over the next 6 to 10 years as it gains earthy complexity and silky depth.