The 2024 Quealy Halarah Pinot Noir is a striking single-site expression from one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most exposed and southerly vineyards. Managed by the Quealy team since 2021, the Halarah vineyard sits on rich volcanic soils at up to 180 metres elevation in Main Ridge, where cool maritime winds and long ripening conditions produce Pinot Noir of perfume, structure and savoury complexity. The 2024 vintage combines multiple Pinot Noir clones and was matured for 12 months in French hogsheads, with around 25% new oak, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The nose is deeply aromatic and layered, revealing red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry alongside pot-pourri, Asian spice and floral perfume. There is a pronounced earthy and savoury dimension, with notes of tea leaf, briar, cola and subtle whole-bunch spice adding depth and intrigue.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky, fine-grained tannins and a supple, mouth-filling texture. The fruit profile balances juicy red berries with darker cherry depth, supported by earthy nuance, spice and a lightly savoury mineral edge. Despite its generosity, the wine retains freshness and precision, finishing long, layered and persistent with a svelte, finely structured feel.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a fantastic example of Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir with both perfume and structure. Compared to softer, fruit-forward Pinot styles, the Halarah leans more savoury and site-driven, showing the influence of its cool, volcanic Main Ridge location. It sits stylistically between modern Mornington richness and a more earthy, Burgundian-inspired profile, making it highly appealing for serious Pinot drinkers. The 2024 vintage already shows excellent balance and detail, but it also has the structure to reward medium-term cellaring. Enjoy now with a light decant or cellar through 2033+ as it develops further complexity. Perfect with duck, mushroom dishes, roast pork or chargrilled quail.
