Garagiste Balnarring Pinot Noir 2024
Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
Grape: Pinot Noir (MV6 clone)
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Duck à l’Orange, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Gruyère
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Short Summary
The 2024 Garagiste Balnarring Pinot Noir marks a celebrated return after a hiatus due to previous low yields. Sourced from the 1996-planted MV6 vines on brown-grey loamy soils, this vintage offers a darker fruit profile with fine, grainy tannins. A wine that encapsulates the unique terroir of Balnarring, it stands as a testament to Barnaby Flanders' commitment to site-specific winemaking.
Overview
Garagiste is one of Australia’s leading cool-climate wineries, established by Barnaby Flanders in 2006. The winery is known for its exceptional small-batch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a strong emphasis on showcasing the unique single-sites and sub-regions of the Mornington Peninsula.
While the Tuerong and Balnarring vineyards are integral to the Garagiste story, the Merricks Grove vineyard stands out as a highlight. It was here in 2000 that Barney Flanders began his journey as a winegrower. Since then, he has overseen every aspect of the Merricks vines, allowing him to maintain complete control from vineyard to bottle—a relatively rare approach in the Australian wine industry.
Barnaby and Cam handle all facets of viticulture and winemaking, resulting in a stunning collection of succulent, finely crafted cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Garagiste label is complemented by a range of delightful entry-level wines under the Le Stagiaire banner. Garagiste’s Pinot Noirs are known for their exquisite texture, while remaining fresh and intriguingly complex. The Chardonnays are taut and linear, offering immense satisfaction and showcasing the winery's commitment to quality.
The Balnarring vineyard, located just 10 kilometres from the flagship Merricks site, presents a distinct expression due to its unique soil composition and microclimate. Typically contributing to the Stagiaire range, the 2024 vintage's favourable conditions allowed for a limited single-site release, highlighting the vineyard's potential.
The MV6 clone, renowned for its structure and depth, thrives in the Balnarring site's brown-grey loamy soils. Flanders' minimalist approach—emphasising natural ferments and restrained oak usage—ensures the wine's purity and sense of place are preserved.
Cork Tasting Notes
The 2024 Balnarring Pinot Noir unveils a bouquet of dark cherries and plums, interwoven with subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, showcasing a harmonious balance between ripe fruit flavours and fine, grainy tannins. The wine's structure is complemented by a vibrant acidity, leading to a persistent and elegant finish. Decanting is recommended to fully appreciate its complexity and depth.
This vintage not only underscores the distinctiveness of the Balnarring site but also reinforces Garagiste's reputation for crafting wines that are both expressive and reflective of their origin. A compelling addition to any cellar, it promises to evolve gracefully over the coming years.