Stonier Pinot Noir 2023

Brian Stonier founded Stonier in 1978 and in doing so, became one of the pioneer vignerons on the Mornington Peninsula. Brian’s ambition was to put Mornington Peninsula fine wine on the world stage, and in the late 1990’s the world began to take notice. In 1999 Decanter awarded the Stonier 1997 Reserve Pinot Noir. Best New World Red Wine of the Year. This award was followed by the 2001 International Wine Challenge in London where Stonier won the Trophy for Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine of Show for its 1999 Stonier Reserve Chardonnay. 

Stonier is now back in local family ownership for the first time since the Stonier family sold the winery in 1999. Three local families; Drummond, McLeod & Thickins acquired the winery, vineyard, and brand in December 2022.

The fruit for Stonier Pinot Noir is selected from estate and leased vineyards, the majority of which sit on the red volcanic basalt near Red Hill. The Red Hill vineyards are the primary component of this wine which provides a lifted red fruit profile. 10% of the fruit was fermented as whole bunches with a 9 month maturation process in French oak puncheons and barriques.

This delightful pinot noir is deep crimson in colour with a ruby tinged hue. The aromas are complex and layered. Laden with spices, rhubarb and raspberry fruits and some roasted herbal notes. The palate is rounded, but bright red fruits balanced with soft powdery tannins to give a long savoury finish. A Pinot Noir that will give a little more each time you open it over the next 3-4 years.

How lovely to taste this knowing Stonier is back on track with new owners who love the place and a winemaker, as in Justin Purser, keen to ensure a tradition of making distinctive, high-quality wines can now continue unabated. No better way than to start with a lovely pinot sourced from grower vineyards. Upfront cherries and pips, lightly spiced with blood orange and zest with wafts of forest floor and savoury oak. Sweet fruit, supple tannins and uplifting acidity glide across the palate. It tastes so good. - Jane Faulkner, James Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%