Reg’s Recommendation Moorooduc Estate (Star Winery of the Mornington Peninsula)

As one of the earliest vineyards established in the Mornington Peninsula, Moorooduc Estate is treasured by locals (and Pinot Noir connoisseurs the world over). In addition, we also adore their Chardonnay offerings. Below, you will find notes on a total of six wines from Moorooduc. What can we say? They were in stock, and we couldn’t help but come back for another glass (or two). We promise we left some on the shelf for you! From the Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to their single vineyard Robinson Pinot and flagship, queen of the family vineyard, McIntyre Pinot Noir – we were delighted with every single bottle.

There must be something in the breeze on the Peninsula because Moorooduc’s wines are truly remarkable. They are rich, fresh, bright, elegant and have seriously attractive aromas.

Also, don’t forget to meet Reg at the very bottom of this page. He will not be who (or what) you would expect us to take wine recommendations from!

What Should You Expect from a Quality Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is ethereal, haunting, exhilarating, and vibrant yet subtle(*1).

As many burgundy drinkers will attest, a quality Pinot Noir has plenty of beautifully natural ripe tannins(*2). The flavour profiles vary from rich, ripe dark berry fruits to forest floor earth, burnt oak, damask rose and exotic spices. Pinots are usually light or medium-bodied and the best will have splendid smooth, feathery finishes.

• Highly complex.
• Extraordinary aromas.
• Brilliant structure.
• Silky, ripe tannins.

Pinot Noir’s to Write Home About

• An honest reflection of space and varietal.
• Small batches.
• Natural yeast.
• Hand-crafted.

The locals in the Peninsula are often found at the water reservoir at Devil Bend Creek. The 422 hectares of untouched bushland and water areas offer nearby vineyards naturally rich and fertile soils(*3). Think of the Devil Bend Creek (DBC) range as a teaser of what to expect as you move through the Moorooduc Estate range. The Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir and DBC Chardonnay are priced incredibly well (both from $22 a bottle)(*4).

Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir 2020

• Aroma: Fresh red cherries and crisp raspberries(*5).
• Palate: Good lifted, medium-bodied weight with more raspberries and red cherries. Savoury mushroom and soy are complemented by fine tannins and lovely tangy acidity(*5,6).
• Finish: Fine tannins and a touch of sappiness result in an appealing length(*6). A delightful wine!

Read the full Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir tasting notes.

Devil Bend Creek Chardonnay 2021

• Aroma: Salted caramel, tangy lemon pith and smooth beeswax(*7).
• Palate: Another well-structured and fresh wine with nutty honey nougat balanced with citrus(*7).
• Finish: Classy full-bodied finish with natural acidity and a slight crunch(*7).

Take our word for it – one glass isn’t enough when paired with barbequed prawns and a buttery-lemon sauce.

Read the full Devil Bend Creek Chardonnay tasting notes.

Another two impressive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays can be found in the Moorooduc Estate range. Both wines are superb vintages with good density and intensity of flavour.

2018 Vintage Pinot Noir, Moorooduc Estate

• Aroma: From the glass of brilliant ruby red comes a nose of Chinese spices, rose petals and the star – dark cherry(*8).
• Palate: Dark cherries continue creating depth while a fresh crunch and touch of acid are found in wild raspberries(*8).
• Finish: This wine finishes as well as it begins with those spices coming through and fine, firm tannins(*8).

Read the full 2018 Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir tasting notes.

2019 Vintage Chardonnay, Moorooduc Estate

• Aroma: White nectarine, lemon rind and white blossoms on the nose(*9).
• Palate: The soft, slightly mealy, creamy texture is balanced by the crunch and acidity of the citrus(*9).
• Finish: A lingering finish of white summer stone fruits – delicious!(*9).

Read the full 2019 Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay tasting notes.

Just when you think Moorooduc Estate must be out of surprises, we tasted the 2018 Robinson and 2019 McIntyre Pinot Noirs. Both are pure, hearty, and fruit-driven with amazing complexity and built-up richness. You could open these immediately or cellar until 2030 as both wines are getting better every year as they age(*2,10).

2018 Robinson Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

• Aroma: Rich aromas full of oak, spice, earth, red cherry, sandalwood, and violets(*2,10).
• Palate: Dark red cherries, damask rose, and earthiness without being stalky. For a Pinot, this is quite full-bodied and dense with excellent texture(*2,10).
• Finish: Long, generous, and tight(*10).

2019 McIntyre Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula

• Aroma: Opening this in 2022 and decanting gives it a chance to really open up. Once aerated, the dark cherry fruits come through backed by exotic cedar spices, cocoa, and herbs. You will also find a tiny hint of wild mint thanks to the eucalyptus trees bordering the top end of the family’s vineyard(*11).
• Palate: The palate reveals itself slowly and allows the notes on the nose to develop(*12).
• Finish: Balanced, long length with great tannins(*12).

Tip from Kate McIntyre (Moorooduc Estate)

Either open the 2019 McIntyre Pinot Noir now or cellar for 10 years (or more) before opening(*11). She also recommends buying a six-pack of these – three for now and three for later – and we 100% agree.

#Regthepeacock – Meet Reg (Moorooduc Estate’s Resident Peacock)

Every winery needs a peacock to keep an eye on the vines and to oversee the winemakers.

If you get a chance to visit the Moorooduc Estate, be sure to keep an eye out for Reg, the peacock.

You can also see what he has been up to on Instagram – #regthepeacock.

Wow! There are lots of stunning and highly drinkable wines for you to enjoy thanks to Moorooduc Estate.

Drop by the Summer Hill Wine Shop store in Sydney for advice on choosing the right Pinot Noir or Chardonnay for you. Remember to order your Moorooduc Estate bottles quickly. As they say, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

References

*1. MasterClass. Wine 101: What Is Pinot Noir, How to Serve Pinot Noir, and How to Pair Pinot Noir. 2021.
*2. Hook, H. The Real Review: Moorooduc Estate Robinson Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018. The Real Review. YouTube video. 2021.
*3. Visit Mornington Peninsula. Devilbend Reservoir Walking Tracks. 2022.
*4. Summer Hill Wine Shop. Moorooduc Estate Wines from Mornington Peninsula Victoria. YouTube video. 2022.
*5. Moorooduc Estate. 2020 Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir. N.d.
*6. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2020 Moorooduc Estate Devil Bend Creek Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula. 2022.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2021 Moorooduc Estate Devil Bend Creek Chardonnay Mornington Peninsula. 2022.
*8. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2018 Moorooduc Estate Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula. 2022.
*9. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2019 Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay Mornington Peninsula. 2022.
*10. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2018 Moorooduc Estate Robinson Vineyard Pinot Noir Mornington peninsula. 2022.
*11. McIntyre, K. Take 2 - 2019 The Moorooduc McIntyre Pinot Noir with Kate McIntyre MW in our Virtual Tasting Room. Moorooduc Estate Live. YouTube video. N.d.
*12. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2019 Moorooduc McIntyre Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula. 2022.