MV6 Pinot Noir in Australia – Part 2: Flavours and Fine Bottles
Now that you know MV6’s backstory, it’s time for the fun part – tasting it. Let’s talk flavours, why Aussie winemakers are bottling it on its own, and where you can try some standout examples for yourself.
What Does MV6 Taste Like?
If Pinot Noir is the delicate poet of the wine world, MV6 is the poet who can also pitch a cricket ball. You’ll usually find bright red cherry, ripe plum and the occasional strawberry, with a hint of spice, dried herbs, or earthy forest floor underneath.
The texture? Smooth and silky, but with just enough tannin to keep it interesting. There’s a lively acidity too, which means the wine feels fresh and pairs beautifully with food – from roast duck to mushroom risotto.
And here’s the magic: MV6 doesn’t taste the same everywhere. In cool climates like Tasmania, it’s more floral and aromatic; in slightly warmer spots like the Yarra Valley, it’s richer, deeper, and more savoury. Same clone, different personality – that’s terroir in action.
Why Bottle It Solo?
Think of Pinot clones like ingredients in a recipe. Some, like 777, bring pretty perfume and juicy red fruit but can lack structure. Others, like Abel, are bold and spicy but can be a bit rough around the edges.
MV6 is the all-rounder: balanced tannin, fresh acidity, and layered fruit – enough to stand confidently on its own. Plus, it’s a natural storyteller. It reflects the vineyard’s character so clearly that winemakers can use it as a pure voice for a site, without the “blending chorus” of other clones.
It’s one of the reasons single-clone Pinot Noirs are more common in Australia than in regions like France, New Zealand or the U.S., where multi-clone blending is the standard. Aussie winemakers trust MV6 to shine solo – and it does.
Wines to Try (All Available on FinePinot)
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Bay of Fires Pinot Noir 2021 (Tasmania)
Aromatic and bright, with red cherry, cranberry, and a hint of spice. A beautifully lifted and elegant expression of MV6 from Tasmania’s cool climate. -
Mount Pleasant Mothervine Pinot Noir 2022 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
From the historic Mother Vine, this MV6 shows plush red fruits, savoury spice, and fine, persistent tannin. A rare piece of Australian wine history in the glass. -
Rochford Estate Dans Les Bois Pinot Noir 2022 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
Vibrant and perfumed, with layers of red berry, floral lift, and silky texture. A modern, juicy take on MV6 that still carries classic Yarra Valley elegance.
Wrap-Up
MV6 may not shout for attention, but it rewards those who listen. It’s dependable, expressive, and uniquely Australian. Whether you’re new to Pinot Noir or ready to dive deeper, tasting a few MV6-only wines side-by-side is the perfect way to explore the nuances of site, climate, and clone – all in one glass.