PORT PHILLIP 2023 BALNARRING PN

Port Phillip Estate ‘Balnarring’ Pinot Noir 2022 

Vineyard
The Port Phillip Estate ‘Balnarring’ vineyard is located on the
Mornington Peninsula at Balnarring, on Miocene sedimentary
soils. Our wines are made from domain grown, handpicked
grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of our geology
and soils with the macroclimate of our region, the mesoclimates
of the various sites within our vineyard and the weather of the
annual grape growing season. Cultural operations in the vineyard
and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique
characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.
Vintage
The cold and windy 2021 Winter saw approximately 185 mm of
rainfall throughout June, July, and August, slightly below
average. Windy conditions continued throughout Spring, with
approximately 310 mm of rainfall throughout the period, well
above average. This rainfall ensured soils were fully replenished
leading into Summer.
Cold soils and windy conditions affected flowering in early
November, with many of the earlier ripening vineyards in the
region experiencing a poor fruit set, thus dramatically reducing
yields. The later flowering vineyards benefited from more
favourable weather conditions in late November.
Summer conditions were ideal, with mild to warm days broken
sporadically by favourable rainfall, almost 75 mm in January,
ensuring vines had adequate water leading to and through
veraison, mid to late January. Ideal conditions throughout
February meant ripening was slow and steady. Harvest
commenced in early March. The weather remained mild
throughout, and harvest progressed at an even pace. While yields
were significantly lower than average, fruit quality was excellent
with intense flavour concentration and refined acidity.
Tasted March 2023
Our Balnarring vineyard was established in 1997. The original
plantings comprise two distinct areas of Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. A third area was planted to Pinot Noir, exploiting
the higher-density planting matrix found throughout the Pinot
Noir growing regions of the Old World. The fruit was fermented
in a combination of stainless steel vats and large-format wooden
foudre. Fermentation commenced spontaneously with ambient
yeasts, included a portion of whole bunches, and lasted 16 days.
Following fermentation, the wine was pressed and racked into
French oak barriques and puncheons (20% of which were new)
and underwent indigenous malolactic fermentation. The wine
was racked only for bottling, with a total maturation of 11 months.
The wine was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
An aromatic mix of red and blue fruits leap from the glass, notes
of red cherry and boysenberry merge to plum with a hint of violet
florals. Elements of brown spice, green olive and earth provide
complexity. The palate is expansive with a lush core of raspberry
and dark cherry fruit flavours. The tannins are well-rounded with
a slight toasty edge, while the wine flows along a line of
refreshing acidity. Vibrant, fleshy and layered this wine is
approachable now but will reward with medium-term cellaring.
13.0% alc.
Port Phillip Estate ‘Balnarring’ Pinot Noir 2022 Tasting Notes