Moorooduc Estate, Mornington Peninsula
Moorooduc Estate
History
Ever since Dr Richard McIntyre planted his first vineyards in 1983, Moorooduc has been one of the major forces shaping Australian wine, spearheading the development of cool climate viniculture in the country, and putting Mornington Peninsula on the map as an internationally important region. Having fallen in love with the great wines of Burgundy whilst studying in Europe, Richard returned to Melbourne in 1980, fomenting a plan to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the temperate, coastally influenced sands and clays south of the city. Initially, it was believed that the area would best suit Cabernet, but over the years, the determination of Moorooduc to produce indigenous yeast fermented Pinot and Chardonnay has been more than vindicated, the domaine now making the kind of nuanced, delicate and layered wines that many had previously thought impossible. Having found success, the estate was able to expand, now vinifying 13 ha of their own vines with a further 6 ha of fruit purchased as part of a long-term contract. They currently make some of the most acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot in Australia, with delicate, perfumed aromatics and intense, lingering textures.
What we say:
Kate McIntyre is the queen of Mornington, consistently turning out the most critically acclaimed wines from this famous area near Melbourne. “A real treat of a wine, with rhubarb, beetroot, strawberry and spice flavours. A showboater, and while the stemmy character is a strong influence, I think it works brilliantly.” 17.5 jancisrobinson.com (2014 Vintage)
Winemaking Philosophy
Moorooduc’s current portfolio was developed in 2010, their winemaking shifting towards terroir expression and the release of single vineyard cuvées. Picking is relatively early, although the estate still searches after a balance of ripeness and freshness, limiting the use of new oak to facilitate the native expression of their grapes. With the exception of their Garden Vineyard cuvee, their Pinot is de-stemmed. That said, Moorooduc always seek a delicate tannic presence in their reds, keeping their wines structured and ageable whatever their beautifully delicate, diaphanous and aromatic nature. Alongside their renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cuvees, Moorooduc also vinify some of the finest Pinot Gris in Australia. Whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented, these wines have incredible longevity, the estate offering historic releases after a decade of bottle aging to better enjoy their honied, biscuity and intense, savoury palate.
Their Wines