Tasting Profile
April 2025
This vineyard is located in Balnarring and is planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was originally established in 1997 and was acquired in 2007. 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 which is 27 years old. This vineyard sits only 60m above sea level and there is a strong maritime influence from Western Port Bay. Soils are grey loams over clay.
The grapes were hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed directly into French oak barriques (18% of which were new). Fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts and lasted approximately 16 days. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for 11 months before being bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
Lifted aromas of apple skin, pink grapefruit, and white stone fruit lead into richer notes of clotted cream and roasted cashew. Hints of flint and delicate oak toast linger in the background, adding subtle complexity.
On the palate, the wine is bright and crisp, with vibrant flavours of Pink Lady apple and citrus taking the lead. Fine phenolic texture adds a gentle tension, while creamy lees influence brings mid-palate weight. A lively, persistent acid line drives the wine from start to finish, weaving seamlessly through the layers of flavour.
13.0% alc.
Tasting Profile 2024
Tasting Profile 2021
Tasting Profile 2020
Tasting Profile 2019
Reviews
Wine Pilot, May 2025
Jeni Port
With each vintage, the role of vine age is becoming more apparent in the depth and intensity of Mornington Peninsula’s premier white grape variety. Balnarring Chardonnay sourced almost entirely from 27-year-old vines is one such example displaying an impressive level of purity of Chardonnay expression from a cool, maritime climate. Fermentation in French oak barriques (18% new) and maturation on lees for 11 months brings an added layer of flavour, beautifully integrated. The scent is quietly intoxicating in bright lemon, lime cordial, lemon zest, pear and nectarine. The palate is intense, tightly formed and upfront in fresh fruit appeal in crunchy white peach, nectarine, juicy red apple, Asian pear and spices. Combines the best of both worlds: drink now and enjoy that delectable immediacy of fruit and/or age and see it blossom further. . . and it will.
95 points
The WineFront, May 2025
Gary Walsh
This is a tight and citrus-laden expression of Chardonnay. Grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, a little sea spray, almond, a slight minty and floral thing. Plenty of tang and energy, maybe a little light on in terms of flavour, though big online and structure. Finish is good, zesty and long.
93+ points
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.