Tasting Profile
November 2023
The Morillon Chardonnay is sourced from 0.1 hectare within the oldest Chardonnay block (1.3 hectares) at Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard. This block was planted in 1988 on a site nestled among folds of the hilly country in Red Hill. The Red Hill vineyard is dominated by red basalt, yet the Chardonnay block is planted in an area of sandy grey loam over yellow clay. With maturity, the original block consistently produces wine with an extra level of structure, balance and intensity. We bottle a small portion separately as the ultimate expression of Chardonnay from this vineyard.
Intense and pure citrus-dominant aromatics leap from the glass, lemon flesh, lime pith and grapefruit skin with a touch of citrus blossom adding allure. These lead to subtle yet complexing notes of cashew, crème fraiche, oyster shell and toasted spice. The palate is finely detailed with flavours of grapefruit, lemon zest and spiced apple that are intricately woven into a fine and bright line of acidity that drives the wine. Mid palate textural notes of almond meal and fruit phenolics provide additional shape and layers to wine. Long and intricate, this wine will add further layers of complexity with time in the cellar.
13.5% alc.
Tasting Profile 2022
Tasting Profile 2021
Tasting Profile 2020
Reviews
Wine Pilot, May 2024
Ray Jordan
Aromas build gently to reveal a lemon pith minerality with a savoury overtone. Add a little chalk dust and you have something immediately engaging. The palate is deeply intense but with a control and elegance focussing a very precise and long finish Only 20 % new oak, so you are getting really fruit and regional expression. Finishes with a nice savouriness.
95 points
The WineFront, May 2024
Gary Walsh
Here’s a tight and frisky wine. A little struck match, almond, aniseed, grapefruit and ripe lemon, light spicy cinnamon oak. It’s firm and chalky, a little nutty, though it’s mainly all about citrus and electric energy, Lots of flint and grip, on a finish of excellent length. Saline too. Very good wine.
94 points
Wine Pilot, May 2024
Jeni Port
One classy Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay with plenty of zing and zip. The acidity is electrifying, it’s that clean and bright. Inviting lemon, quince, nectarine and struck match aromas. Oak is warmly infused, fully integrated with light toasty appeal in tandem with citrus, stone fruit and a lively sea spray and mineral fineness, not to mention, some leesy and very tasty nougat. Hard to stop at just one glass. Brings a masterful display of mouth-watering acidity and precision. A great follow up to the classic 2021.
95 points
The Vintage
The Vineyard
The Port Phillip Estate Red Hill vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula on Eocene volcanic soils. Our wines are made from domain grown, handpicked grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of our geology and soils with the macroclimate of our region, the mesoclimates of the various sites within our vineyard and the weather of the annual grape growing season. Our cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.