Montalto Estate 2010 Chardonay and Pinot Noir

I was impressed with the level of detail that accompanied these samples from Montalto Estate: a Press Release that at least attempted to convey a quality driven story - shying away from the normal trumpets and fanfair often associated with such - and a full colour brochure that highlighted vineyard sites, plantings and clonal selections

Winemaker Simon Black states: "our winemaking philosophy centres around quality.  Everything we do is about achieving a premium end product...I'm looking for wines that are an expression of vineyard site...where the grapes come from".  It's good to then see the winery back this up further with a release of 5 single vineyard wines (not reviewed here), two Chardonnay and three Pinot Noirs.

Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2010

Creamy cashew, citrus, grapefruit, and barrel ferment character.  Complex and nutty, good fruit character wrapped  around a core of mineral and acid. 

Still showing a bit of oak, unobtrusively.  Loved the twists of Citrus that coursed through the final 3rd.  Quite brilliant.   93 - Very Good

Tasted on: Sunday 14th October, a Root Day
Source: Sample
Price: $ 39
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap

Montalto Estate Pinot Noir 2010

Fully destemmed, soaked for several days, 3 weeks on skins and 100% wild ferment.  Resultant wine shows a darker expression of Pinot: plum, sour and black cherry with softer background red fruit elements. 

Spice and a little herbal edge - marjoram, oregano - complete the aromatic picture.  Elegance and finesse, sqaurely medium bodied, a lighter expression in the mouth. 

Would have preferred a little more depth myself.  89 - Good


Tasted on: Saturday 27th October, a Leaf Day

Source: Sample
Price: $ 48
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap

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