Port Phillip Estate Single Vineyard Red Hill Pinot Noir 2022

The 2022 growing season on the Mornington Peninsula was milder than normal and the result was the kind of slow ripening that winemakers pray for, but don’t always receive. Yields were on the lower side, too, which is good for fruit concentration and quality. This is a long-winded introduction to PPE’s Red Hill Pinot Noir ’22 which fairly bristles with the kind of brightness of fruit and intensity of flavour that a top vintage can provide. You also appreciate the sub-regional Red Hill style which brings dark fruited weight and warmth. Brambly fruit, black cherry, cranberry, earth, red licorice scents entice. There are some soft, savoury, herbal influences to be enjoyed here in tandem with ripe, black and red fruits. You sense it keenly on the palate which, while generous, exists along a tight line and length of fine-knit tannin. A dry, long finish completes this attractive vinous picture. This is one medium bodied, fruit-focused Pinot with lively herbal interplay and delicious fruit from a top vintage, and the best part? It’s ready to go right now