2025 Garagiste Balnarring Pinot Noir

Balnarring always shows the more generous, dark-fruited side of what Barney Flanders does down on the Mornington Peninsula. While his Merricks site is all about wind-swept structure, this patch of old vines on richer soils turns out a pinot with a bit more flesh on its bones.

The 2025 season required some quick thinking and sharp harvest dates to keep that essential cool-climate freshness intact. In the shed, Barney keeps his hands off the wheel, letting wild yeasts do the job before a quiet spell in seasoned French oak. He doesn't filter or fine the juice, leaving all the natural grit and personality right there in the bottle.

It pours a bright, translucent ruby colour. It jumps out of the glass with a deep, briary mix of sour cherries, forest twigs and a cool, earthy bitter edge. The mouthfeel is satisfyingly pulpy with a tight line of native acidity and fine, stemmy tannin that keeps the whole thing savoury and structural.

High-quality Pinot from a modern Mornington star.

96 points
"This captivating from the first sip... The palate is beautifully composed and even, with supple if textural tannins and bright acidity leading this to a long finish."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points
"This wine provided one of those “gosh the flavours are still going” moments. This is elite juice for a completely reasonable price."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)