2024 Elanto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

What a beguiling wine – only the second release and showing complexity far beyond its years. It’s certainly youthful and pretty with heady aromas of florals and autumn leaves with flavours of wild strawberries, dark cherries and pips, chinotto, Middle Eastern spices and some poached rhubarb, too. The medium-bodied palate is evenly poised, laden with filigree tannins (lots of them) and energising acidity; oak (25% new) completely integrated. This has depth, some grip, a little amaro bitterness on the finish and, of utmost importance, it will age but it’s oh-so pleasing to drink today. Drink by 2036.

97 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The intensity of fruit here is fantastic, as is the length of the finish, as is the tannin profile. This wine is out of the ordinary on these matters alone. It tastes of stewed red and black cherries, peppercorns, cedar and undergrowth, the dry crackle of the finish – yet sluiced with fruit – one for the ages. The slightest degree of warmth is my only hesitation; in all other respects this is superb. Drink 2026-2033+ 

95 points Campbell Mattinson winefront.com.au

The 2024 Balnarring Pinot Noir is perfumed and fragrant and quite different in character compared to the 2023 tasted alongside. Where the former was powerful, structural and condensed, this is floral, perfumed and fresh. I love the way this wine performs. There is levity here and minerality too. The tannins are structural and chalky through the long finish. This is very good. It doesn't break stride at any point. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2039.

96 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

From a tiny, high attention Mornington Peninsula vineyard, this Pinot Noir reflects Sandro Mosele’s obsession with precise farming and gentle winemaking. Elanto operates at a scale where every row is treated individually, aiming to translate site rather than impose style. Cool maritime air, rolling slopes and lean soils give fruit with natural perfume and fine tannin, shaping a Pinot that leans toward tension and clarity rather than weight. The wine has quickly gathered quiet critical praise, building a reputation as a cult Peninsula release despite its small footprint.

Winemaking is restrained and deliberate. Extraction is gentle to protect aromatics, with careful élevage designed to polish tannin without masking the vineyard voice. The goal is a Pinot that feels transparent and architectural, unfolding slowly in the glass.

In the glass it shows a bright ruby with garnet tones. Aromas lift with sour cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, followed by rose petal, dried herbs and forest floor. A cool earthy note anchors the bouquet and adds complexity.

The palate is medium bodied and finely structured, with red fruit wrapped in silky, persistent tannins. Bright acidity gives energy and length, carrying flavours of cherry, berry and savoury spice through a long, mineral finish. The texture is supple yet taut, balancing elegance with quiet power.

It pairs beautifully with duck, pork, mushroom dishes and herb driven cooking. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar comfortably for eight to ten years, developing earthy and gamey nuance while retaining freshness.

This is Mornington Pinot in a focused register, fragrant, mineral and shaped by a winemaker chasing purity over volume.