Quealy Musk Creek Pinot Noir 2020

Quealy Musk Creek Pinot Noir is a late-picked single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Main Ridge.

Ripening on the ridge runs weeks behind the coastal blocks, and in 2020 the difference was stark: picking at the Balnarring home vineyard began on 4 and 5 March, while nothing came off this site until 25 March. Planted in 1997 to mostly MV6, it is a marginal spot for Pinot Noir, which means small crops and a great deal of canopy work. Fruit was fully destemmed and fermented as whole berries, with no sulphur added until pressing so the vineyard's biology could leave its mark. Four weeks on skins in two- and three-tonne vessels, one gentle plunge a day, and only free-run juice to barrel, a quarter of it François Frères.

Red and dark cherry, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy finish, with tannins that are fine and slightly austere in the best way. Sixteen degrees, with air. Serve alongside duck breast, roast lamb, or a plate of mushrooms and polenta.

*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.