2024 Stonier Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Stonier’s bread and butter range and a good ‘un this vintage. Fruit off grower vineyards but all managed in-house, which gives a level of quality control. This pops and crackles with vitality, good fruit and varietal flavour. Heady aromas are punctuated by red cherries and blood orange doused in exotic spices and fresh herbs. The palate is on the light side of medium bodied with fine tannins and refreshing acidity throughout. A lovely drink.

94 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Stonier Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula is a beautifully poised, aromatic and quietly sophisticated expression of one of Australia’s finest cool climate regions. Stonier has been a pioneer here since the late seventies, and their estate vineyards in Merricks and Balnarring sit close to the cooling influence of Western Port Bay. Ancient volcanic and sedimentary soils, combined with long, gentle ripening seasons, provide perfect conditions for Pinot Noir to develop perfume, purity and fine tannin structure. The fruit is hand picked, sorted carefully, and fermented in small batches with a thoughtful use of whole bunches to lift aromatics and bring gentle savoury complexity. Ageing in French oak of varied ages adds shape while allowing the vineyard character to shine.

The nose is fragrant and expressive. Red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry weave with rose petals, red plum and hints of pomegranate. Beneath the lifted fruit lies Mornington’s signature cool coastal edge: a touch of sea spray, crushed stone and autumnal forest floor. As the wine opens, notes of rhubarb, spice, black tea and a delicate herbal undertone appear, widening the aromatic frame.

The palate is silky, vibrant and elegantly detailed. Juicy red berries and cherry skin glide across fine, supple tannins that give structure without weight. Flavours of redcurrant, cranberry, plum and subtle anise evolve into savoury touches of dried herbs, mushroom and a whisker of oak supported spice. Fresh natural acidity brings energy and refinement, guiding the wine toward a long, pure and gently earthy finish. A few years in bottle will deepen its complexity while preserving that coastal brightness.

A beautiful match for duck breast, roasted chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, grilled salmon, roast beetroot salad, soft cheeses or even a relaxed night in with a good film. It captures everything that makes Mornington Pinot so loved: perfume, finesse and a seamless sense of place.