Garagiste Merricks Pinot Gris 2023

Garagiste Merricks Pinot Gris is a skin-inflected Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris from 25-year-old vines.

Pinot Gris has a reputation for blandness that Barney Flanders is happy to argue with. "It is a variety that is open to manipulation," he says. "Play around with skins and lees and it can be pretty exciting." So he splits the crop from this north to north-east facing Merricks block: three-quarters pressed as whole bunches into old barrels with full solids and left on lees, the remaining quarter fermented on skins for three weeks. The bunch-pressed portion carries stone fruit and floral lift; the skin-fermented quarter delivers spice, red fruit, colour and fine tannin. Seven months in old oak, then bottle.

Perfumed and spicy, with nashi pear, red apple skin and a gentle tug of tannin through the finish. Balance is the strong suit. Pour it at 11 to 12 degrees with roast chicken, pork belly or a plate of pickled vegetables and cured meat.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.