2025 Yabby Lake Pinot Gris, Mornington Peninsula

Pale in the glass, almost colourless; fresh, clean and subtle pot-pourri, cucumber, white-pepper armas; the flavour is light and gently fruity with a backing of tannin adding grip and dryness to the finish, where a pepperiness lingers. A very drinkable gris in a dry, appetising style. 09 Sep 2025 Drink 2025–2031

90 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Yabby Lake Pinot Gris is a beautifully balanced and aromatic cool-climate white from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, capturing the region’s hallmark freshness, texture, and elegance. Yabby Lake, established in 1998, is renowned for producing site-driven wines that reflect the Peninsula’s maritime climate and ancient soils. Their Pinot Gris is crafted in a refined, dry style that focuses on purity of fruit and delicate complexity rather than overt sweetness.

The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards planted on free-draining sandy loam and clay soils, which naturally limit yields and give the wines concentration and minerality. Mornington Peninsula’s cool maritime climate, moderated by sea breezes from Port Phillip Bay, provides a long ripening period that builds flavour intensity while retaining vibrant natural acidity. Grapes are hand harvested, gently pressed, and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve aromatic lift. A portion of the wine is matured briefly on lees to enhance texture and add subtle savoury depth without using oak.

In the glass, Yabby Lake Pinot Gris is a pale straw with green tinges. Aromas of nashi pear, white peach, citrus blossom, and subtle spice lift elegantly, underpinned by a fine mineral thread. The palate is medium bodied and crisp, with juicy pear and stone fruit flavours balanced by bright acidity and a soft, textural mid-palate. The finish is clean, vibrant, and gently savoury, making it both refreshing and food friendly.

This Pinot Gris pairs wonderfully with grilled prawns, pan-seared scallops, creamy pasta with spring vegetables, or Thai salads with lime and herbs. It also complements soft cheeses and antipasti. Best enjoyed young to capture its lively fruit and floral freshness, though it can develop gentle honeyed complexity with a couple of years in bottle.