2024 Stonier Pinot Noir

Light and supple with terrific power and a long moreish finish.

Established in 1978 Stonier Vineyards was one of the pioneers on the Mornington Peninsula and has recently returned to being locally owned and run after a period of corporate ownership. The fruit for Stonier Pinot Noir is derived from a selection of estate and leased vineyards, the majority of which sit on the red volcanic basalt between Merricks and Red Hill. The high elevation (200m+) Red Hill vineyards are the primary component of this wine which provides the lovely lifted red fruit profile.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Displaying a perfumed like intensity aromas of violet, red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb are complimented by dried herb, bramble and forest floor and spice notes. Light and supplely textured, the palate possesses a terrific power wave of flavour with red to dark cherry, rhubarb and strawberry fruits to the fore. Notions of brambly cedar, dried herbs, forest floor and spice lend further complexity. Velvet smooth tannins with a long moreish finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
Stonier’s bread and butter range and a good ‘un this vintage. Fruit off grower vineyards but all managed in-house, which gives a level of quality control. This pops and crackles with vitality, good fruit and varietal flavour. Heady aromas are punctuated by red cherries and blood orange doused in exotic spices and fresh herbs. The palate is on the light side of medium bodied with fine tannins and refreshing acidity throughout. A lovely drink. Drink 2032.
94 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

A blend of the grower vineyards, a mix of clones. Approximately 20% whole bunch on the sites that sit on volcanic soils, with everything else destemmed. Aged in 500L puncheons of which 8% was new oak. A fragrant celebration of Mornington Peninsula luminous charm, it’s impossible not to be swept away with the gleaming fruit, compact flavour and middle palate pulp and flesh. Cherry compote, plummy goodness and some Gala apple skin. Clove, nigella seed and dewy potting soil. Tannins are sandy and prop up the fruit, before a wash of fresh acidity. It’s immediately satisfying and a delightful drink without food or if you are after a suggestion may I offer the idea of lamb shanks swimming in butter mash. Drink now or will cellar well for 2-4 years. Drink 2025-2029.
94 points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com