February 2023 Releases: Principia Altior 2021 Pinot Noir $70 & MGWS 2020 Pinot Noir $28

Principia Altior 2021 Pinot Noir $70

Established in 1995 by Darrin Gaffy, Principia (pronounced Prin-kip-ia) is located South-East of Melbourne in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. The 8.5 acre vineyard consists of 6.5 acres of Pinot noir and 2 acres of Chardonnay. Our vines are non-irrigated and yields are restricted to 1.5-2 tonnes per acre. Principia is a gravity fed winery. All transfers of wine are done by gravity or by the use of a gentle gas spear to remove from barrels. As we don’t use pumps our wines are not filtered. We take a minimalist approach throughout the winemaking process, which includes the natural primary and secondary fermentations. Hand-picked, 80% whole berries, 5 days cold soak, wild yeast open-fermented, 17 days on skins, matured in French oak (25% new) for 7 months, 100 dozen made. Excellent colour and clarity; the bouquet is very expressive, perfectly ripened pinot noir notes to the fore, warm spices in the background. A tantalisingly seductive palate, with the flavours washing across and along the mouth, leaving an imprint that takes a seeming eternity to diminish. 95 Points James Halliday An alluring wine that offers both drinking pleasure now but also more structure to allow it to unfurl over the next few years thus adding another layer of depth. Buoyant with a wave of red cherry and spiced plums with some dried herbs and juniper berries. The medium-bodied palate is glorious with ribbons of fine tannins, yet some grip and a conclusive finish. 96 points Jane Faulkner

MGWS 2020 Pinot Noir

The Merricks General Wine Store’s rich heritage of filling the locals’ cellars and tables continues with our varietal range of wines, made from 100% Mornington Peninsula fruit. Made to be deliciously approachable & superb value, this wine surely delivers. VARIETY Pinot Noir REGION Mornington Peninsula ALCOHOL 13% Vol COLOUR Cherry red. BOUQUET Aromas of dark cherries & baking spice. WINEMAKER Geraldine McFaul at Willow Creek vineyard PALATE This light style Pinot Noir shows ripe red cherry flavours that are supported with olive brine characters & a smooth slightly spicy finish. VINTAGE Despite challenging weather conditions and the possibility of smoke taint, which we were fortunate to avoid. Settled weather throughout March allowed vintage to deliver consistently high quality, low tonnage fruit.