2024 Red Claw Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Bright cherry accents – red and morello, pips too, with a savoury, almost austere edge thanks to the meaty reduction. It’s a bit terse with sinewy tannins yet fresh acidity in the mix, making food an essential match.

89 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Red Claw Pinot Noir is a vibrant and finely structured cool-climate red from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, crafted by Yabby Lake. The Red Claw range represents Yabby Lake’s commitment to producing expressive, approachable wines that still reflect the estate’s meticulous vineyard work and the region’s maritime elegance. Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s premier Pinot Noir regions, celebrated for producing wines with lifted aromatics, bright fruit, and savoury complexity thanks to its cool, ocean-influenced climate.

The fruit is sourced from Yabby Lake’s estate vineyards, planted on free-draining sandy loam and clay soils that naturally restrict yields and give excellent concentration. The proximity to Port Phillip Bay moderates temperatures, providing warm days and cool nights that allow for slow, even ripening. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted before being fermented in small open-top fermenters, often with a portion of whole bunches to add aromatic lift and structure. The wine is matured in French oak barriques, with a small percentage of new oak, to build texture and integrate fine spice without overwhelming the purity of fruit.

In the glass, Red Claw Pinot Noir is a bright ruby red. Aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, redcurrants, and subtle spice leap from the glass, layered with gentle notes of forest floor and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit at its core, supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. There’s a savoury, earthy undertone that adds depth and elegance, leading to a long, balanced finish that is both fresh and subtly complex.

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with duck breast and cherry jus, mushroom risotto, herb-roasted chicken, or grilled salmon. It’s also a great match for charcuterie, soft cheeses, or simple pasta with truffle oil. Best enjoyed over the next 5 to 8 years, though its supple structure makes it a delight to drink young.