2023 Crittenden Peninsula Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Peninsula is the first tier in the Crittenden range, with fruit coming off various grower sites. It is an attractive if slightly herbal rendition; the palate has pops of cherry sweetness, a little amaro and gently spiced. It’s a drink-now option rather than a cellaring proposal. Drink 2024 to 2028.

90 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, June 2024

Crittenden was established in Dromana in 1982 by Garry Crittenden — at a time when planting those first vines effectively doubled the total vineyard area on the Mornington Peninsula. His son Rollo returned home after years making wine abroad and now leads the winemaking, bringing a broader perspective to a place he knows intimately. The Dromana vineyard is farmed sustainably without synthetic inputs, with a focus on building natural resilience in the vines over time.

The Peninsula Pinot Noir draws from selected grower vineyards across the Mornington Peninsula, wild fermented and aged in French oak to reflect the region's cool-climate character.

The 2023 is a lighter, more fragrant expression of Pinot Noir. Raspberry, cherry and a hint of spice on the nose with a herbal, earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively acidity and fine tannins.

Clean and straightforward, with enough red fruit charm to make it easy company at dinner. Try it with grilled salmon or a mushroom and thyme tart.

Drink now.