Swirl, Sniff, Spit – Session 18 – Mornington Peninsula

If ever there was a place perfectly set up for the wine lover’s ideal long weekend, then this would have to be it.  In addition to vineyards producing compelling pinot noir and chardonnay, it boasts rugged bushwalking, spectacular surf beaches, the country’s most prized coastal real estate and fantastic regional dining. All this is no more than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. 

This region has been producing wine since 1886, when Dromana wines won an honorable mention at the Royal Exhibition in London. It wasn’t until 1972 until vignerons in the region realised the potential for cool climate varieties – the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that today are the region’s focus. The maritime climate combined with rainfall in winter and spring provide a long,  gentle ripening period producing wines with fruit flavours, high natural acidity and fine tannins. With volcanic soils in Red Hill and Main Ridge to sandy soils in Moorooduc and Merricks, let’s explore what this beautiful region has to offer.

Bracket 1 – Pinot Gris  

1.       Ocean Eight Pinot Gris  2011 @OceanEight

2.       Beurrot by Kooyong Pinot Gris 2011 @TessaLBrown

 

Bracket 2 – Chardonnay

1.       Circe Red Hill South Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 @DanBuckle

2.       Ocean Eight Verve Chardonnay 2010   @OceanEight

 

Bracket 3 – Chardonnay

3.       Ten Minutes By Tractor Estate Chardonnay 2010  @10XTractor

4.       Eldridge Estate Chardonnay 2010 @EldridgeEstate

 

Bracket 4 – Pinot Noir

1.       Circe Red Hill South Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 @DanBuckle

2.       Eldridge Estate Pinot Noir 2010 @EldridgeEstate

 

Bracket 5 – Pinot Noir

3.       Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir 2010 @KateandPX

4.       Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2010 @TessaLBrown

 

Bracket 6 – Pinot Noir

5.       Stonier Pinot Noir 2010

6.       Port Philip Estate Noir 2010 @TessaLBrown