2023 Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Such lovely composure and a complete wine with all the heady aromas and flavours the variety can muster – roses, dark cherries and pips, wood spices, chinotto and blood orange. The fuller-bodied palate is all about texture, with silky tannins and lithe acidity encompassing a core of ripe, juicy fruit.

95 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula is a benchmark cool-climate Pinot Noir, showcasing the region’s ability to produce elegant, structured, and expressive wines. Yabby Lake, established in 1998 by the Kirby family, has built a strong reputation for its meticulous vineyard management and commitment to crafting site-driven wines. Under the guidance of winemaker Tom Carson, Yabby Lake focuses on low-intervention winemaking to highlight the purity of fruit and the unique characteristics of their Mornington Peninsula terroir.

Deep ruby in color with a translucent edge, this Pinot Noir is immediately expressive on the nose, offering aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, and dark plum, layered with subtle floral notes of rose petal and violet. Earthy undertones of forest floor, spice, and a touch of graphite add further complexity. The palate is finely structured, with silky tannins and bright acidity supporting vibrant red fruit, savory spice, and a hint of oak-derived vanilla and clove. A long, mineral-driven finish leaves lingering notes of dried herbs and crushed stone.

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its finesse and complexity also make it an excellent match for charcuterie, truffle-based dishes, and mild, creamy cheeses. While drinking beautifully now, this wine has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–10 years, developing further nuance and depth.