Maintains same as previous year’s wine making: 15% whole bunch, 11 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (35% new). Mix of clones: Pommard, MV6, 114 and 115. Winemaker is Rollo Crittenden.

Crittenden Estate, The Zumma, Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, 2021

Plumbs depths with desired rich meatiness and mulchy undergrowth but freshened with deep cherry and  fruits of the forest topped with stalky spice. Medium framed with assertiveness. Meaty off-set to delicate herbed cherry and a bright orange freshness through the tail. Stalky, tacky tannins to clack and dry. Just needs a little more flesh (minor quibble).

RRP: $65
Alc: 12.5%
Rating:  93/100

Wine sample courtesy of Crittenden Wines