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Introducing Southern Light Vineyards' debut release – the 2023 Ghostgum Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula

( Image Source : The Southern Light Vineyards team from left: James Becker (Winemaker), Rupert Steenberg (Sales & Marketing Director), David Li (Winemaker), Hayley O’Heare (Brand Manager), Anthony Fikkers (Head of Winemaking & Viticulture), John Valmorbida (Founder of Joval), Dan Sergeant (Viticulturist). )

On the Pinot Noir map of Mornington Peninsula, Main Ridge stands out for its high altitude, cool climate, and ancient red volcanic soils. It’s here, on an east-facing slope touched first by the morning sun, that Southern Light Vineyards planted its roots. Their flagship site, Ghostgum Vineyard, is the starting point of their focused journey into premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

A Story That Starts in the Soil

（ Image Source : Ghostgum Vineyard, Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria) 

Established in 1990, Ghostgum Vineyard lies on the eastern side of Main Ridge at an elevation of 174 metres—one of the highest vineyards in the region. The 5.5-hectare site is home to mature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, deeply anchored in red volcanic soils (ferrosols). These basalt-derived soils are friable, mineral-rich, and naturally water-retentive, supporting vine health and flavour even in dry or variable years—no irrigation needed.

The vineyard is also dotted with iron-rich stones, locally called “buckshot,” giving it a Burgundy-like feel. Much like the ancient limestone and clay slopes of the Côte d'Or, these soils lend fine tannins, a tight mineral structure, and earthy detail to the wine.

Elegance Born from a Demanding Vintage

The 2023 vintage was cool and wet—challenging even by Main Ridge standards. The team held out until mid-April to harvest, marking their latest pick on record. This patience paid off, resulting in deeper flavour concentration and perfect natural acidity.

The wine blends fruit from three Pinot Noir clones:

• MV6 (fully destemmed)

• 115 (10% whole bunch)

• D2V5 (split between 100% whole bunch and 100% destemmed)

The final ferment included 33% whole bunch, adding spice, savoury lift, and structure. The wine spent 10 months in French oak (20% new), and was bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity and texture.

 What the Critics Say

“A fine-boned, savoury Pinot with truffle, forest and red fruit complexity.”
— Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot – 95 points

“Excellent vineyard management and winemaking judgment. Despite the difficult season, the fruit shines.”
— Ray Jordan – 95 points

“A light yet concentrated expression of Mornington Peninsula Pinot.”
— James Suckling – 94 points

Southern Light: A New Southern Star

Southern Light Vineyards is a passion project from the Joval Wines team, built on decades of wine experience. Based in Healesville, Yarra Valley, their boutique winery is designed for small-batch precision and minimal intervention. Every step—from vineyard to clone to barrel—is thoughtful and deliberate.

“We don’t compromise. Not on land, not on clone, not on barrel.”

For Pinot lovers, this is more than just a wine. It’s a story of place, vintage, and craftsmanship—bottled.

📦 Now available at FinePinot – limited quantities only.
🧊 Temperature-controlled shipping by required, breakage guaranteed
🚚 Free delivery over $350
🔍 Explore all 2023 Ghostgum Pinot Noir ›