The 2024 Hurley Lodestone Pinot Noir is a highly regarded single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula, crafted by specialist Pinot Noir producers Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes at Hurley Vineyard in Balnarring. Lodestone is sourced from a north-facing vineyard rich in magnetite ironstone soils, giving the wine a naturally darker, more structured and more powerful profile compared to the estate’s other single-vineyard bottlings.
The nose is intensely perfumed and layered, showing raspberry, black cherry and wild strawberry alongside violet, forest floor, spice and crushed nut complexity. The vineyard’s iron-rich soils and warmer exposure contribute additional depth and dark fruit intensity while still retaining Mornington Peninsula freshness and finesse. Merchants consistently describe Lodestone as the boldest and most energetic wine in the Hurley range.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky tannins and vibrant acidity supporting concentrated red and dark berry fruit. Savoury spice, earthy complexity and mineral tension lead into a long, elegant and finely structured finish. Hurley’s traditional low-intervention approach — including wild yeast fermentation, hand plunging, basket pressing and extended maturation in French oak — gives the wine additional texture and ageing potential without sacrificing purity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, Hurley is one of the benchmark Pinot Noir producers of the Mornington Peninsula, and Lodestone is often the most powerful and structured wine in the lineup. Compared to lighter Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, it carries more dark fruit and earthiness; compared to Central Otago Pinot, it remains more savoury and restrained. This is serious Australian Pinot Noir with real site expression and cellar potential. The 2024 vintage already shows excellent balance between generosity and precision, making it attractive both young and with age. Drink from 2026 onwards or cellar for 10–15+ years. Perfect with duck, game birds, mushroom dishes or refined modern Australian cuisine.
