2024 Scorpo Noirien Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Scorpo Wines, founded by Paul Scorpo in the late 1990s, has become a benchmark producer for refined, site-driven wines from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The family’s vineyard at Merricks North sits on ancient red volcanic soils with a north-facing aspect, ideal for ripening Pinot Noir with depth, perfume, and fine structure. Cool maritime breezes from Port Phillip Bay and Western Port create a long, even growing season, preserving natural acidity and aromatic lift. Paul Scorpo’s approach to Pinot Noir is hands-on and detail-focused, with low yields, careful canopy management, and minimal intervention in the winery to let the vineyard’s character shine.

The Noirien Pinot Noir captures the Peninsula’s signature style in a bright, approachable form. It shows a vibrant ruby hue and aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petal, dried herbs, and a subtle earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with juicy red berry fruit framed by fine tannins and fresh acidity, giving both drinkability and length. Gentle maturation in French oak lends hints of spice and structure without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. This is a wine designed for immediate pleasure but with the finesse to hold for a few years.

It pairs beautifully with duck breast and cherry glaze, roast pork with sage, mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon. Soft cheeses such as Brie de Meaux or washed-rind styles also work well. Best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years for its vibrant fruit expression.