The Kooyong Nord Pinot Noir 2023 marks the inaugural release from a single 0.8-hectare block at the northernmost part of the Kooyong vineyard. Planted 15 years ago to a modern clonal mix at high density (5800 vines/ha), the Nord block sits on free-draining yellow-grey dermosol soils—its name, Nord (French for “north”), paying tribute to its position within the estate. These close-planted vines are now hitting full maturity, producing fruit that rivals Kooyong’s oldest parcels in intensity and complexity.
Following a cool and wet 2022 spring, the 2023 vintage was mild and steady, delivering pristine, low-yielding fruit with outstanding flavour concentration. Hand-harvested and destemmed with 15% whole bunch inclusion, the fruit was fermented with indigenous yeasts in large wooden vats. Gentle plunging and pump-overs were carried out over 16 days, followed by maturation in French oak barriques and puncheons (15% new) for 12 months. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving purity and texture.
Tasting Note
An opulent and perfumed release that showcases the depth of Kooyong’s younger vines. Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, and ripe plum mingle with violet florals, leaf litter, and subtle spice. The palate is rich yet refined, layered with dark berry fruit, fine citrus lift, and plush, rounded tannins. Bright natural acidity provides energy and precision, finishing long, pure, and finely etched—a harmonious debut of power and poise.
Small-Batch Detail
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Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
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Vineyard: Nord Block (0.8ha, northernmost parcel of Kooyong Estate)
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Clonal Composition: Modern multi-clone selection
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Vine Age: 15 years
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Planting Density: 5800 vines/ha
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Fermentation: 15% whole bunch, wild yeast in wooden vats
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Maturation: 12 months in French oak (15% new)
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Alcohol: 13%
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Bottling: Unfined, unfiltered
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Cellaring: 2025–2035
Expert Reviews
⭐ 96 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (July 2025)
“Deep red-purple, bright and vibrant. Rich, ripe black-cherry aromas, a lacing of dried herbs; the palate rich and full, with amplitude and succulent depths of sweetly ripe cherry fruit, complex and backed with silky-fine tannins. A very impressive debut from this new single block of close-planted vines.”
⭐ 95 Points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2025)
“The most fragrant of the single-block wines and, in its way, the most harmonious. Beautifully aromatic with florals, spice, and raspberry leaf. Mid-weighted, just, with fine tannins and raspberry sorbet acidity caressing the palate. A lovely wine; impressive debut in a tough vintage.”
⭐ 94 Points – Jeni Port, WinePilot (July 2025)
“Shows a wealth of dark cherry and red fruit that define Mornington Pinot. Aromas of undergrowth, leaf, beetroot, cassis, and cherry with a splash of blood orange. Bright and cherry-fresh with concentrated flavour, crunchy acidity, and layers of pomegranate and spice.”
⭐ 17.5 Points – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com (Mar 2025)
“Vibrant and plush, with quince, membrillo, smoky chilli and ferrous undertones. Denser texture, spicier and more sumptuous than other Kooyong Pinots—showy, but in a compelling way.”
Fine Pinot Note
A stunning debut release, the 2023 Kooyong Nord Pinot Noir is both fragrant and structured—close-planted precision meets Mornington generosity. A single-block Pinot of remarkable energy and poise, it signals an exciting new chapter for Kooyong. Perfect alongside duck breast, roast lamb, or wild mushroom dishes.
