2025 Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Montalto was established in 1997 at Red Hill South, the cooler southern end of the Mornington Peninsula. Under chief winemaker Simon Black, the estate has built a strong reputation across three tiers, with Pennon Hill wines offering a cross-regional expression of Montalto's own vineyards on the peninsula.

The 2025 Pennon Hill is led by fruit from Tuerong for generosity and mid-palate weight, while a Red Hill component provides aromatic lift. A small inclusion of fruit from Merricks was used to thread the whole together. Wild fermented in small open fermenters with a short cold maceration, 8% of the blend underwent carbonic maceration for additional freshness and fruit vibrancy. Nine months in French oak, 20% new.

The winemaker describes 2025 as a year of generosity and the wine reflects that, with red and black cherry, sarsaparilla, cherry cola and summer pudding on the nose with baking spice, star anise and a leafy earthiness. The palate is refined and generous with cherry, raspberry, blood orange and chai spice, well-integrated tannins and a long, savoury finish driven by bright natural acidity.

Good with a duck confit and lentils, a Japanese-style pork belly with miso and daikon, or a mushroom and thyme risotto with aged parmesan. The wine's red fruit and savoury depth find a natural partner in anything earthy that deserves a proper glass.

Drink now through 2030.