2025 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Garagiste Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula is a beautifully expressive, finely textured coastal Pinot that reflects both the precision of winemaker Barnaby Flanders and the purity of the region’s cool maritime climate. Garagiste is one of the Peninsula’s most respected small producers, known for vineyard specific bottlings and a minimalist approach that emphasises clarity, fragrance, and site expression. The Le Stagiaire cuvée is his gateway to the range, but it is crafted with just as much attention as the single vineyard wines, pulling fruit from vineyards in the Merricks district and surrounding slopes. These sites sit close to the sea and benefit from volcanic soils, south facing aspects, and consistently cool breezes that slow ripening and retain delicate aromatics.

The grapes are hand picked at modest ripeness to keep natural acidity high and flavours bright. Fermentation occurs in small open fermenters with a thoughtful inclusion of whole bunches for aromatic lift and fine tannin. The must is plunged gently to avoid heaviness, preserving the lightweight, lacy structure that defines coastal Mornington Pinot. After fermentation the wine is matured in older French oak barrels, which contribute savoury complexity without overshadowing the fruit. A short period of lees contact adds silkiness, emphasising texture over volume.

In the glass it shows a translucent ruby appearance, the kind of brightness that signals finesse over power. The aroma opens with red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, followed by rose petals, autumn leaves, sweet spice, and a subtle earthy note that hints at the volcanic soils of Merricks. With air, nuances of cranberry, pomegranate, and a gentle herbal edge emerge, adding further layers to the perfume.

The palate is vibrant, supple, and refined. Fine acidity carries flavours of red berries, sour cherry, citrus peel, and soft spice across the tongue, supported by silky tannins that glide rather than grip. A light savoury thread runs through the mid palate, reflecting Barnaby’s understated handling and the natural complexity of cool climate Pinot. The finish is long, fresh, and quietly persistent, leaving impressions of red fruit, crushed herbs, and a faint mineral snap.

This wine is wonderfully versatile at the table. It pairs naturally with roast duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, grilled salmon, or simple roast chicken. It also works beautifully with dishes featuring thyme, truffle, or earthy vegetables. Although approachable in its youth, it will evolve over five or six years, gaining subtle notes of forest floor, dried rose, and spice.