The Drysdale Pinot Noir 2024 is drawn from the Leech Vineyard, planted in 1998 on grey sandy loam over yellow light clay, in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula. More sheltered than the Portarlington sites, this vineyard benefits from a cool maritime climate and produces a wine of both richness and poise.
Handpicked MV6 clone fruit was fully destemmed into open fermenters, where wild yeast fermentation and twice-daily plunging allowed for gentle extraction. After 9 days on skins, the wine was pressed to French oak barriques (25% new) for natural malolactic fermentation, before spending 8 months in barrel.
Tasting Note
The wine opens with a deep, bright crimson-purple hue and aromas of morello cherry, black plum, rose bush and hedgerow. The palate is ripe and balanced, showcasing plush fruit and velvety tannins, making this the most immediately approachable of Mulline’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from 2024.
Small-Batch Detail
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Region: Bellarine Peninsula (Drysdale), Geelong
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Vineyard: Leech Vineyard, planted 1998
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Clone: MV6
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Soil: Grey sandy loam over yellow clay
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Fermentation: 100% destemmed, wild yeast, 9 days on skins
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Oak Maturation: 8 months in French barriques (25% new)
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Alcohol: 13%
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Style: Plush, perfumed, velvety Pinot Noir
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Cellaring: Drink now–2029
Expert Review
⭐ 96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion
“From the Leech vineyard planted in ’98. MV6 clone, fully destemmed and 15% new wood. A deep, bright crimson purple. Brooding with aromas of morello cherry, black plums and some rose bush and hedgerow scents, despite there being no whole bunches! The palate is ripe, balanced and with velvety tannins that make this the readiest to drink of the five (all superb) single-vineyard pinots from ’24.”
Fine Pinot Note
A seductive and finely balanced Bellarine Pinot Noir—perfumed, textural, and ready to drink. Perfect with slow-roast pork shoulder, mushroom gnocchi, or chargrilled duck breast.
