A rarity in that the RRP has come down a little. Not that’s a bad thing: means that this is an ever better value option. Named after the area where the Crittendens call home. Mix of clones from the 40+ year old vineyard: 667, Pommard, MV6, 114, 115 and D5V12. Maturation in new and young French Barriques and Puncheons for 11 months. Winemaker is next generation Rollo Crittenden.

Crittenden Estate, Kangerong, Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, 2022

Earthy and deep. Black cherry, forest floor, gravel, ash and just sliced cool salumi overlaid with purple flowers, licorice, thyme and singed orange zest. Sapid and flowing. Youthful svelteness of velvet tannins cut with high citrus, muscular fruit of black cherry juice and a clean freshness through the tail echoed with gunflint reduction. Deliciously drinkable and ready for weightier matches.

RRP: $49
Alc: 13%
Rating:  92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Crittenden Wines