Port Phillip Estate Morillon Single Block Pinot Noir 2022

You have to admire the winemaker. Faced with some delicate florals and herbals, he has decided to elevate them rather than wed them to overly ambitious oak. I’m not sure all makers would have been so disciplined. The result is a Pinot Noir very much alive, where the aromas positively sing reflecting their maritime, cool climate home. Red cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, rosehip and violet are nicely cut with dried herbs, briar and just a splash of vanilla. Autumnal notes among the red berries, spice and lifted florals are a real feature of the wine, the antidote to many Pinots ruled by overly ripe, sweet fruit. A fine tannin focus to the wine draws everything together nicely. Just drops off a little towards the finish but, nevertheless, that fruit is definitely worth celebrating.