2023 Mount Majura Mondeuse

Mount Majura’s fascination with alpine varieties has found a perfect home for Mondeuse. Originally from the Savoie region of France, this variety is a half-sibling to Shiraz but thrives in much cooler, leaner conditions. At Mount Majura, it’s increasingly seen as the logical successor to Pinot Noir as the climate shifts.

The 2023 vintage was a true "cool-climate" season, shaped by a late, wet spring and a mild summer. Yields were low, but this allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and develop deep aromatics at a modest 13% alcohol. To ensure the wine had enough presence, Frank van de Loo used a "double pressing" technique to pull extra depth from the skins before fermentation in old barriques.

It's a red that feels like it belongs in the mountains. It’s a wash of dark forest fruits underpinned by snappy, wild mountain herbs and peppery spice. The palate is light-footed but texturally interesting, with a nervous energy and a clean, savoury finish. It’s a compelling, nerdy alternative for those who love the structure of cool-climate Shiraz but the weight of Pinot.