The Coolart Road ‘D Block’ Pinot Noir 2023 comes from the historic heart of the Coolart Road vineyard—the lower section of the east-facing slope where soils are deeper, darker, and more moisture-retentive. This block is planted entirely to MV6, a heritage Australian clone famed for its small, tightly packed bunches that deliver depth, intensity, and naturally firm tannin structure.
A cool, wet spring with higher-than-average rainfall during flowering reduced yields significantly across the site, yet extended hang time through summer and autumn produced fruit with exceptional flavour concentration, tannin ripeness, and bright natural acidity.
Winemaking
Fruit was handpicked on 24 March 2023, chilled, hand-sorted, and mostly destemmed, with a small proportion of whole bunches included in separate small ferments for added aromatic lift and structural nuance.
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Cold soak: 4–5 days
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Fermentation: Wild yeast
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Vessels: Mix of concrete and stainless-steel fermenters
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Time on skins: Average 21 days
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Maturation: 11 months in French oak barriques (24% new)
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Malolactic: Natural
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Bottled: February 2024 | Screwcap
This gentle, parcel-by-parcel approach preserves the block’s powerful fruit profile while refining its earthy tannin architecture.
Tasting Note
The 2023 D Block shows the block’s unmistakably darker personality. Aromas of delicate rose petals intertwined with briny caper berry rise from the glass. The palate layers together dark plum, balsamic nuance, and glazed beetroot, adding savoury complexity.
Signature earthen, grippy tannins—a hallmark of MV6 on this lower slope—provide structure, beautifully counterbalanced by sweet, concentrated plum fruit on the finish.
Small-Batch Detail
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Region: Mornington Peninsula
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Vineyard: Coolart Road – D Block (lower east-facing slope)
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Clone: MV6 (100%)
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Harvest: 24 March 2023
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Yield: 2.6 t/ha
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Fermentation: 4–5 day cold soak, wild yeast, ~21 days on skins
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Oak: 11 months in French barriques (24% new)
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Alcohol: 13.0%
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Acidity / pH: TA 6.15 g/L | pH 3.46
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Residual sugar: 0.0 g/L (dry)
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Best drinking: 2025–2039Â
Fine Pinot Note
A powerfully structured and deeply fruited Pinot Noir, Coolart Road D Block 2023 epitomises the muscular side of Mornington Peninsula Pinot. Earthy, dark, savoury, and richly textured, it is the counterpoint to the more floral, lifted F Block—making it an essential piece in understanding the Coolart Road vineyard’s full personality.
A superb wine for lovers of MV6 intensity, best enjoyed with venison, game birds, or roasted root vegetables.
