Tasting Profile
May 2020
This wine represents the exploration of our second vineyard, located in Balnarring. This vineyard, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, was acquired in 2007 but was originally established in 1997. The original plantings comprise two distinct areas of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are three Chardonnay blocks and the fruit for this wine was sourced almost exclusively from the oldest block. The grapes were gently whole-bunch pressed directly into French oak barriques (11% of which were new) and fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for 11 months. It was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
Aromatic notes of fresh-cut nectarine, pear and an appealing hint of sea breeze underpinned by a subtle gingery spice. The palate is linear and tightly wound, with fleshy stone fruit characters appearing in the mid-palate. The finish has a fine, crisp acidity and is awash with various citrus flavours such as fresh lime juice and Meyer lemon peel.
12.5%
Reviews
Wine of the Week, August 2020
Port Phillip Estate and sister Mornington Peninsula label Kooyong are family-owned and operated producers whose wines are all estate-grown, -made, and -bottled. They also have a reputation for reliable quality that is second to none. Made from a vineyard planted 20+ years ago, this is a delightful young cool-climate chardonnay made using sustainable agriculture and low-intervention winemaking. This has thrilling youthful acid, bright citrus with hints of white stone fruit, and pleasing palate tension. Pair with roast pork or salt and pepper squid. It is also vegan friendly. Composed and well-powered. Port Phillip Estate never puts a foot wrong. Lime, white peach, cedarwood, pear, and subtle custard powder characters pour confidently through the palate. The finish is still working itself out but it’s well on its way. No question of the quality here.
Winsor Dobbin
The Vintage
The 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. Our cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.