2023 Moorooduc Estate Pinot Gris, Mornington Peninsula

Medium lemon yellow colour. Poached pear, clove and honeysuckle aromas. Medium to full weight, pear and white nectarine fruit fill the palate with layers of woody spices and a hint of burnt toffee adding depth and complexity. The supple glide ensures it coats all the mouth, sitting rich but showing enough lift that it doesn’t overbear. Great length; that seamless tension carries it well and offers a fine cleansing brush to the finish 13 Aug 2025 Drink 2025–2030

95 points #2 of 61 2023 Pinot Gris from Victoria Stuart Knox therealreview.com

Moorooduc Estate Pinot Gris from the Mornington Peninsula is a bright, textural and beautifully expressive take on this variety, shaped by one of the region’s most respected family run estates. Richard McIntyre has spent decades refining the Moorooduc style, farming sustainably and crafting wines that speak clearly of the Peninsula’s cool maritime climate. The estate’s Pinot Gris vines sit on north facing slopes of volcanic basalt and sandy loam, soils that give the wine its gentle spice, mineral lift and soft pear scented perfume. Cool breezes drifting in from Port Phillip Bay slow ripening and build aromatic clarity, allowing the fruit to develop delicate flavour while retaining crisp natural acidity.

The winemaking is deliberately hands off but tuned to build texture. Grapes are hand picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel and older barrels. Lees stirring adds weight and roundness while preserving freshness, giving the wine a subtle creamy edge without muting its vibrant core. Moorooduc avoids the overt oiliness sometimes associated with Pinot Gris, instead aiming for a style that balances richness, energy and purity.

In the glass it shows a pale straw hue with a faint blush typical of ripe Gris skins. The nose is inviting and gently aromatic with nashi pear, white peach and apple blossom at the forefront, supported by hints of honeysuckle, ginger, citrus pith and soft baking spice. As it opens, notes of wet stone, quince and almond skin emerge, adding quiet complexity in a very Moorooduc way.

The palate is fresh, textural and beautifully balanced. Juicy pear, lemon peel, peach and subtle tropical notes glide across a silky mid palate shaped by time on lees. A fine line of acidity brings drive and brightness while a faint mineral edge reflects the estate’s volcanic soils. Flavours of pear, white nectarine, citrus zest, soft spice and gentle nuttiness unfold in even layers. The finish is long, clean and lightly savoury with lingering orchard fruit and a delicate creamy note. It’s a Pinot Gris that offers immediate charm yet carries enough structure to evolve nicely over three to five years.

Pair it with grilled snapper, roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta with mushrooms, pork and apple dishes, sushi, soft cheeses, grilled vegetables or lightly spiced Asian dishes. Its balance of freshness and texture makes it a superbly versatile food wine.