Mooroduc Pinot Gris / 2024 / 375mL

Description:

The Moorooduc Estate Pinot Gris 2024 from the Mornington Peninsula is a dry, textural gris with pear and citrus fruit and a savoury edge that keeps it away from sweetness. In a 375mL bottle, it is a wine for two glasses each over dinner rather than a bottle you need to commit to.

Nashi pear, lemon pith and a little quince lead the aromatics, with ginger spice and a faint waxy note behind them. The palate follows through with pear skin and white peach, dry and gently phenolic rather than plush.

The cool, late 2024 season on the Peninsula shows in the acidity, which runs firm and straight through the middle of the wine. Texture builds across the palate without softening the line, and the finish is chalky and clean, with citrus rind lingering.

Pork belly, roast chicken with lemon, prawn dumplings, salt and pepper squid or a washed-rind cheese all work well. The half bottle suits a solo dinner, a midweek two-course meal or a table where everyone wants something different in their glass.

Drink now through to 2028. Bear in mind that a half bottle ages faster than a 750mL, so this will develop its honeyed, spiced side a year or two ahead of the full-size version.