2025 Quealy Tussie Mussie Pinot Gris, Mornington Peninsula

Quealy is always the go-to producer for this variety. As is the way, this is textural, full and rich without being heavy. It’s lightly aromatic with flavours of spiced poached pears and apples dusted with ginger powder, but it’s also a little smoky and creamy. It’s fuller-bodied and plush (it is pinot gris, after all). The finish lingers, and it ends up quite moreish. Drink to 2032.

94 points Special Value Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, October 2026

Light, bright yellow colour; a rich and detailed bouquet of dried flowers and smokehouse nuts, a touch of toast, the palate is rich and satisfying, with concentration and texture well above the average. Poached stone fruits, a touch of fruit sweetness ameliorating the fruit but leaving the finish clean and dry, and lasting. A little alcohol warmth in its tail. Delicious. Drink to 2032.

93 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, September 2026

Kathleen Quealy is often dubbed the Queen of Pinot Gris in Australia. Her style for the Tussie Mussie is more Alsatian than Italian, with ripeness, spice, and mouthfeel playing a starring role. The vineyard was planted on the site of a former rose farm in 2007 (hence the name—tussie mussie is an old term for a flower bouquet). Located in Merricks North, the vineyard’s three hectares of Pinot Noir and Gris vines are rooted in deep, red volcanic clays. Combined with the site’s northern location and north-facing aspect, these soils allow for slow ripening, key to developing complexity while maintaining bright natural acidity.

The 2025 fruit was hand-harvested in early March, whole-bunch pressed using an extended cycle to extract gentle phenolics, then fermented on high solids and matured on lees in stainless steel.

Aromas of pear skin, quince, and jasmine, a touch of almond, and spice. The palate is finely weighted yet textural, combining ripe orchard fruit with taut acidity and a long, mineral finish. One sip of this tells you exactly why the Quealy and McCarthy clans are so highly regarded for their work with this varietal; there’s a subtlety and balance that many seek, but few achieve. Despite all things voluptuous Tussie Mussie Pinot Gris is actually as dry as possible. The reason why premium Pinot Gris is often perceived as sweet is its comparative high level of dry extract (which usually indicates a high level of unfermentable sugars).

Perfect with Vietnamese pork rolls, roast chicken, miso eggplant, or even soft washed rind cheese. Chill it down but not too cold—this is a Pinot Gris that loves to open up in the glass.