2023 Dappled Single Vineyard Sur la Crête Pinot Noir

WINEMAKER: Shaun Crinion
REGION: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

“These wines are all hailing from the cool and later ripening 23’ vintage, and they show the positive effects of this long cool ripening season. In this release, we have 3 reds and one Chardonnay, and due to tiny yields again there is no SV Yarra Pinot Noir (which all went into the last Appellation release). Stylistically the reds are fragrant and pure with fine acidity, and the Chardonnay is simply stunning - similar to the 2019 vintage.” - Shaun Crinion

“Sur le Crête” means on the ridge. Single vineyard Pinot noir grown @ 179m above sea level in the rich red volcanic soils of Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. This is a delightful wine made from a tiny crop due to very small berries and bunches. Wild fermented, 30% whole bunch, minimal SO2 added with no other additions. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine shows concentration and depth, almost not expected from a cooler season, but then the fresh acidity brings the wine structure and delicacy. The aromas are classic Mornington - Morello cherry, plum, beetroot and forest floor. It's round and plush with fresh acidity giving length and vitality. Delicious!

Despite their fame, Shaun’s releases still remain tiny due a lack of suitable fruit. Obviously, it goes without saying that he is fastidious about the fruit he sources, as evidenced by the quality of these wines year after year. The other thing that remains important to Shaun is that his wines remain accessible. Despite the increasing costs of fruit and production and regardless of the effort, and rarity, the wines are priced to offer some of the best value for money in Australian wine today.