92 points - "In drinkability terms this definitely kicks some goals. It’s varietal, it’s juicy, it has a bit of depth and it has a bit of undergrowth-y complexity too. All wins. It tastes of cherries red and black, pomegranate, peppercorns, violets, and sweet earth, with a drift of aromatic herbs in play too. Tannin finesses the finish just enough, and the aftertaste brings an extra linger of undergrowth. It feels authentic and indeed pure. I liked it from the first sip; it’s good to drink, is the take-home." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

91 points - "Bright, lively and youthful in the glass. Plenty of complexity here, dark cherry, spice, sap and dried flowers. Firm, red fruited, mouth-filling and with smart shape, grip and length. There’s a lot to like here in this youthful pinot noir." - Aaron Brasher (The Real Review)

17 points - "From a 40-ha estate vineyard planted in 1996 in Tuerong. North-facing, 100–120 m, on well-drained, sedimentary clay loams. Sustainable viticulture. Bright cherry fruit that slides glides across the spectrum from sour to sweet, yellow to dark red. Acidity is sharp, precise and plenteous, but ripe and saturated, a bit like sucking on a blood orange. Rose buds, hibiscus, rose hips. Slim and slinky. The tannins are less actors, more sound designers, creating atmosphere and pace in the invisible surround. A wine that has so much clarity that I feel like I’m tasting it after a thunderstorm, when everything is on brightness steroids." - Tamlyn Currin (Jancis Robinson)

The nose is immediately generous, revealing dark cherry and ripe strawberry with subtle plum and raspberry. Brown spice and a gentle whole bunch nuance add aromatic lift, while a subtle note of Turkish delight brings a faint floral sweetness.

The palate is plush and enveloping, showing a pleasing density of red and blue fruits with depth and concentration. A light carbonic influence enhances brightness and fruit purity, while rounded, supple tannins provide seamless structure. The wine carries confidently across the palate, finishing long, smooth, and flavour-rich, with balance and modern appeal.

13.0% alc

The Vintage
A near-perfect growing season with nature providing ideal conditions for our vineyards. Although the 2024 Winter was mild, it provided excellent rainfall, with 185 mm falling throughout June, July and August. This balance of warmth and moisture created an optimal environment for vine growth and fruit development. Budburst commenced in the second week of September, and favourable Spring weather conditions contributed to uniform berry growth with deep green canopies to power the ripening. Veraison commenced on 3 January, earlier than the last few seasons. Warm, dry conditions in Summer with very little rain posed challenges from a water perspective. In a first, all three of our vineyards, Tuerong, Balnarring and Red Hill were being picked at the same time. Thanks to the tireless work of both the vineyard and winery teams, we were able to pick and process all parcels of fruit at the ideal time. All varieties exceled with the early season and dry and warm conditions. The winery was full for the first time since 2021, with yields returning to long-term averages.
The Vineyard
The 2019 Kooyong Massale is a blend of Pinot Noir from our Tuerong and Balnarring vineyards. The fruit was fermented in open vats. Fermentation commenced spontaneously with ambient yeasts and lasted 15 to 18 days. The wine underwent indigenous malolactic fermentation. The maturation period was 10 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (5% new) and large format foudre. The wine was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.