Stonier Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2025

Stonier Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2025

While the brand presence and awareness were certainly not diminished under corporate ownership, there is no denying that the transition back to local ownership (thanks to the Drummond, Thickens and McLeod families) in December ’22 has propelled this historic producer to new heights. With the meticulous and ebullient Julian Grounds at the helm of winemaking and stewardship of over 90ha of vines, the future feels sure-footed. Hopes for the reimagining of the regional stronghold were realised by the release of the first vintage under these changes; a fine wine project, but more importantly, a flag bearer for Merricks as a subregion and its potential. The Reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are benchmark expressions. - Halliday Wine Companion

"This wine, perhaps more than any other in the range, proves that Stonier is in the best of winemaking and wine growing hands.

Buy this, cellar it, drink it. I’ve loved this ‘standard’ Stonier Pinot Noir for decades but I dare say that this is the best release that I’ve tried. Sheesh. It’s complex, it’s cohesive, it’s balanced and it feels authentic, the latter both to its variety and to its region. Mostly and ultimately though it’s more-ish. It’s cherried and strawberried and plummy and sweet spiced, with soil or undergrowth notes interwoven. Tannin profile is top notch, and the balance between juicy drinkability and tension is so perfectly judged. Last year’s releases gave an excellent insight into the uptick of Stonier but this year’s releases take things up again." 95 Points - Campbell Mattinson