The Mornington Peninsula climate has changed little since Eocene times, and the Scorpo Family Vineyard in Merricks North is located in the heart of this region. Fossil evidence suggests that the climate is much the same as it was before the Older Volcanics, which means that the vineyard is blessed with a stable climate in most years, and offers the perfect combination of land, aspect, soil type and microclimate.
The fruit is hand-picked, predominantly de-stemmed, and open vat fermented in a mixture of concrete and stainless steel fermenters. Pre- fermentation cold soaking of the de-stemmed fruit enhances flavours and complexity. Spontaneous wild yeast fermentation usually begins 5 to 6 days after. The cap is plunged as required. After fermentation, the wine is pressed and transferred to a selection of new (approx. 20%) and used (one, two and three year old) tight-grained French barriques for the ESTATE and HIGH DENSITY wines and 5% new oak for the NOIRIEN. The wine is bottled 12 to 13 months later.
JAMES HALLIDAY 5-STAR WINERY
2023 Noirien has an intricate nose with lift, brightness and clarity. Red cherries, violets and lavender are up front, backed by earthy tones of mushroom and forest floor. The palate is delicate whilst still open and generous. The fine dusty tannins balance the fine red fruits of cherry and cranberry with hints of spice such as clove and cinnamon.
ABV 14%