The 2023 Montalto Single Vineyard North One Pinot Noir is a beautifully powerful and site-driven Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir sourced from a small north-facing vineyard parcel planted beside the famed “The Eleven” Chardonnay block at Red Hill. Formerly labelled as the Red Hill Pinot Noir, North One represents one of Montalto’s most complete and age-worthy single-vineyard expressions, crafted with meticulous attention to texture, perfume and terroir. The cool yet balanced 2023 vintage delivered exceptional fruit intensity alongside fine acidity and tannin precision, resulting in a Pinot Noir of remarkable complexity and finesse.
The nose reveals wild strawberry, dark cherry and raspberry layered with rose petal, truffle, baking spice and earthy forest-floor complexity. On the palate, it is silky yet structured with fine powdery tannins, vibrant acidity and a savoury umami character that gives the wine depth and tension. Layers of sour cherry, cranberry and subtle herbal spice unfold with impressive precision and persistence, finishing long, mineral and beautifully composed with classic cool-climate Mornington Peninsula elegance. Critics praised the wine’s complexity and ageing potential, with QWine awarding 96 points and Halliday 95 points.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Montalto Single Vineyard North One Pinot Noir is a serious cool-climate Pinot Noir — layered, savoury and beautifully refined with outstanding depth and finesse. A superb choice for lovers of premium Burgundy-inspired Australian Pinot Noir. Perfect with duck, mushroom risotto, game birds, truffle dishes or soft washed-rind cheeses. Decant if drinking young or cellar confidently through 2035+.
