Ocean Eight Aylward Reserve Pinot Noir 2024 is the finest expression of the Aylward family’s single Tuerong vineyard — a single block wine from a small paddock of MV6 clone Pinot Noir planted in 1999, cropped low for intense concentration, and crafted to be concisely one of the best Pinot Noirs on the Mornington Peninsula. Owned by the Aylward family, Ocean Eight wines are grown on the premise that wines must be enjoyed with food and must best represent the climate and grape-growing conditions of the Mornington Peninsula. The perfume is intoxicating and by far the best feature of this wine — pour it into a large balloon glass and let it open. Spicy forest floor characters with lovely cherries and raspberries; subtle, elegant, and deeply expressive of everything Mornington Pinot Noir can be. 93 points The Real Review. A small volume is produced each year. Cellar with confidence for 10–12 years.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep, luminous ruby — the rich, concentrated colour of a single-block MV6 clone Pinot Noir from the Aylward family’s Tuerong vineyard, with the intensity and depth that low cropping, cold fermentation, and 30% new French oak deliver.
Aroma
Intoxicating and phenomenal — the best feature of this wine, and the reason Ocean Eight recommend a large balloon glass to fully experience it. Spicy forest floor characters with lovely cherries and raspberries, and the complex, earthy depth that 12 years on the Bistro Gitan wine list speaks to. Pour. Wait. Breathe it in.
Palate
Subtle and elegant — cherries, raspberries, and spicy forest floor, with the intensity and concentration of a low-cropped single-block Pinot Noir fermented slowly at low temperature to maximise perfume and spice. Gravity fed to large French puncheons, 30% new oak, and crafted to express the very best characters that Mornington can exhibit.
Pairs With
A natural companion for duck breast, roasted quail, mushroom risotto, pinot-friendly charcuterie, and soft washed-rind cheeses — equally rewarding now with decanting and will develop extraordinary complexity over the next 10–12 years in the cellar.
Finish
Long, elegant, and deeply satisfying — cherry, raspberry, spicy forest floor, and the subtle complexity of French oak fading together in a close of genuine Mornington Peninsula distinction. A wine that rewards patience and repays attention.
Reviews
The Real Review — 93 Points
“Aylward Pinot has been on the list for close to 12 years at Bistro Gitan. It’s wonderful complex Pinot with earthy characters yet it retains the great bright fruit from the Peninsula. It’s a great value wine that’s especially loved by the Friday lunch regulars.”
