Montalto Main Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2021

  

In the words of LL Cool J, "Paradise is very nice." This is everything Pinot Noir should be. Delicate, lacy and precise, the pleasure factor is supreme.

Montalto North One Pinot Noir 2021

 

The Tuerong single vineyard Pinot Noir is normally the boss but not in 2021. North One stakes a strong claim and deservedly so. Formerly known as 'Red Hill', North One is the block that sits beside The Eleven Chardonnay block. This release has levelled up on 2020.

Montalto Merricks Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite a different wine to the Tuerong, this Merricks Single Vineyard is a beautiful Pinot that just hums along. 

Montalto Tuerong Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite an intriguing Tuerong, one that is very different to previous releases. A wonderful wine as always, but there are a few shades of contrast that haven't shown themselves prior.

Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2021

 

The Eleven. Pat Cummins could be the face of this label, but not so. It's named after the eleven rows first planted back in 1986. Concentrated and alluring, this is just brilliant Chardonnay.

Montalto Tuerong Chardonnay 2021

 

One of the wines I look forward to tasting each year and again there is nothing but joy and pleasure in the glass. A wine of serious quality, Simon Black's pursuit of excellence deserves a chorus of support from Chardonnay lovers. 

A vertical tasting of the last decade would be quite something. The detail and precision of the making let alone the quality of the fruit continues to mesmerise.

If you get the chance to share this, don't. It's good to be selfish once in a while.

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2021

 

This is where the party is at. Damn, that man Simon Black can make Pinot sing. This Montalto mid-tier Estate release is a charmer and a classy little thing. 

Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2021

 

The 2021 Estate Chardonnay release is concentrated and generous. One of those sip slow wines, there is plenty to ponder. Friday after a long week or Sunday afternoons are best to whisk you away. 

Montalto Estate Syrah 2021

 

With no 2020 release, it seems this wine has had a facelift. No more Shiraz by name but now a Syrah. It's a good drink but it's not as elegant as you may expect with the Syrah style.

Crittenden Estate The Zumma Pinot Noir 2020

 

A clever Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir, this makes a formidable pairing alongside The Zumma Chardonnay.

Crittenden Estate The Zumma Chardonnay 2020

 

Chardonnay for those times you want to feel fancy. There is some bling and glitter factor here. Perhaps it's the charismatic swagger it possesses? Delicious and then some, another glass please.

Crittenden Estate Pinot Gris 2021

Just beautiful. What a cracking Pinot Gris this is, and I must admit, it's one of the best I've had for some time.

Crittenden Estate Chardonnay 2021

 

Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay - what isn't there to like. This Estate release from Crittenden ticks all the boxes. It's a mightily impressive drink.

Crittenden Estate Pinot Noir 2020

 

Pinot Noir happiness from Mornington Peninsula's Crittenden Estate.

Octtava Piano Pinot Noir 2021

 

A delicate Mornington Peninsula Pinot from small producer Octtava.

Even Keel Rosé 2021

This Rosé hits the spot. It's such a good drink. Go here for guaranteed satisfaction. Red fruit-driven, it looks appealing in the glass and sits wonderfully in the mouth.

Even Keel Pinot Noir 2021

 

A smart Pinot Noir from this ever-reliable Even Keel range of wines. Some rebranding has elevated its shelf appeal too - great stuff.

Even Keel Pinot Gris 2021

 

A Pinot Gris that rarely misses the mark, these Even Keel wines are well made. The re-vitalised labeling is pretty on the eye too - nicely done. Splash this in your glass and you'll feel a little bit fancy.

Vino Intrepido Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Pinot Grigio 2021

 

One of the longest names in wine label history. I reckon James Scarcebrook may be eyeing off the title from d'Arenberg's Chester Osborn. Here we have a textural and finely spiced Mornington Peninsula Pinot Grigio. There is a lot to like about this.

Onannon Chardonnay 2020

 

Love Chardonnay? You'll love this. A new label to me, it comes courtesy of Joe Caruso who runs the brilliant Somm Wine Store on the Gold Coast. A superb recco and then some - thanks Joe!