Dexter Pinot Noir 2023 (Mornington Peninsula)

Moderate temperatures throughout a wet spring and into flowering resulted in healthy canopies with slightly lower than average yields. La Niña continuing into yet another year resulted in above average rainfall over the summer, keeping the vines healthy. Moderate temperatures during late summer produced slower ripening than usual but the grapes retained high levels of natural acidity along with great concentration of flavour and fine tannin profiles. Although the weather reduced crop loads, quality and flavour remained strong in the 2023 wines.

Each clone on our single vineyard site was picked separately when they individually reach optimal ripeness. Hand-picked fruit was de-stemmed without crushing and elevated into small open fermenters. The whole berry must was left to cold soak for 2-3 days before beginning fermentation. Fermentation temperatures peaked at around 32°C and during fermentation the cap was plunged up to 2 times per day. After fermentation was complete, the must was gently pressed and transferred into French Oak puncheons (21% new, 14% second use, 21% third use and 43% older) where MLF occurred before winter. The wine was left to mature in oak on lees before being bottled late December 2023.