2024 Stonier Merricks Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

A new wine, a gorgeous wine, comprising Stonier fruit plus off the north-facing Gance vineyard, also on Thompsons Lane near the winery. This manages to oscillate between a core of good fruit – all red cherries and blood orange with zest, and lots of savouriness, the baking spices, the smell of joss sticks, the twiggy notes from 20% whole bunches in the fermentation, thus a little autumnal. Nothing overt, it’s well composed, the tannins feathery and lightly textured, the acidity refreshing and it’s a joy to drink.

96 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Stonier has been a cornerstone of the Mornington Peninsula’s fine wine story since 1978, but the Merricks Pinot Noir is a newer addition to the range that is already making waves. Sourced from estate and select grower vineyards around the village of Merricks, this wine benefits from the region’s cool maritime climate and ancient volcanic soils, which produce Pinot Noir of fragrance, finesse, and complexity. Thhis release has been met with glowing early reviews from critics and sommeliers, with many tipping it as a future classic for the Peninsula. The fruit is hand-picked, gently destemmed, and fermented in small batches before maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak to enhance texture and spice without masking the purity of the fruit.

In the glass, it is a vibrant ruby with a lifted perfume of wild strawberry, red cherry, and cranberry, layered with hints of rose petal, thyme, and a subtle earthy note. The palate shows the elegance and line that Merricks fruit is known for — silky tannins, fresh acidity, and finely etched red fruit flavours that build with savoury spice and gentle oak. There’s an underlying mineral thread that speaks of its coastal origins, giving the wine both vibrancy and length. The style is modern yet deeply rooted in classic Pinot Noir structure, which is why many see it as one to watch over the next decade.

This Pinot Noir pairs effortlessly with roast duck breast and cherry glaze, crispy pork belly with five spice, mushroom and thyme tart, or herb-crusted lamb rack. While delightful now for its freshness and perfume, it has the balance and structure to evolve beautifully over 8 to 10 years, developing more earthy, truffle-like complexity.