2020 Montalto Single Vineyard Merricks Block Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

Clone MV6, elevation 55m; 21 days on skins in open fermenters, matured for 9 months in French puncheons (33% new). By some distance, the deepest colour of the quartet in this tasting, and the most powerful, with savoury, foresty texture and structure. The MV6 plum leads the expansive fruit palette, backed up by firm but balanced tannins. Will live long.

97 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

John Mitchell and family established Montalto in 1998, but the core of the vineyard goes back to '86. It is planted to pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling, shiraz, tempranillo and sauvignon blanc. Intensive vineyard work opens up the canopy, with yields of 3.7-6.1t/ha. Wines are released in three ranges: the flagship Single Vineyard, Montalto and Pennon Hill. Montalto leases several external vineyards that span the peninsula, giving vastly greater diversity of pinot noir sources, and greater insurance against weather extremes. There is also a broad range of clones adding to that diversity. Montalto has hit new heights with its wines from these blocks.