Garagiste are a Mornington operation who have become known for wines that live and breathe terroir. ‘Cuve Béton’ means concrete tank, so you can expect utmost purity and freshness in the Merricks Cuve Béton Pinot Noir, matured in a 5000-litre concrete tank from Italian master Nico Velo. Grapes for this wine come from a special parcel of the Merricks Grove vineyard. They are de-stemmed and wild fermented, then spend a month on skins. It is bottle without filtering. Structured and mineral, its palate is filled with crisp red apple and berries and plenty of spice. A fine minerality continues that theme of underlying freshness – it is reminiscent of volcanic Italian reds.
Fermented and aged in concrete, instead of oak.
Rosy perfume, spice, red fruits, as little sap and crunch, with charm laid on and a fine fluid line from front to back. Fine tannin, a sort of ash ‘minerality’ too. It’s light but long, brightly lit, and flat out fantastic to drink. Strange to say, but it’s a little like a wine from Etna.
95 points, The Wine Front (December 2019)
A lightweight frame belies an intensity of flavour and a grippy, spindly firmness. The extraction is gentle, ethereal even; obviated by well appointed tannic latticework to which notes of sour cherry, logan and cranberry cling. The finish is attractively bitter, crunchy and long. A balletic, extremely elegant pinot.
93 points, Wine Companion (March 2020)
The Mornington Peninsula is located approximately one hour south of Melbourne. A cool maritime climate,the region is virtually frost free, but is susceptible to high winds. Rainfall is moderate, throughout winter and the growing season. Most of the vineyards are located between just above sea level and 200 metres. Soils range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy loams and friable well-drained clays. Mornington Peninsula is best known for making elegant cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and sublime Pinot Noir.
