2011 Dunn's Creek Estate Mornington Peninsula Barbera

Some people see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not?
Robert Francis Kennedy quoting George Bernard Shaw.


Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews have been championing alternative varieties on the Mornington  Peninsula for years and their secluded, very picturesque vineyard, accommodation and nature reserve at Red Hill is in star contrast to some of the expanding corporate wineries now seemingly de rigueur on the Peninsula.

Their award-winning Barbera, an unusual variety for the Mornington Peninsula spent 15 months in French oak and was made by Sandro Mosele of Port Phillip and Kooyong Estates. There is also a rare Barbera Rosé and a classically varietal Arneis in the portfolio.

 Bright cherry red hue in colour that almost gives the Barbera the appearance of a Pinot Noir. The nose is full of  juicy, vibrant raspberry and cherry with some hints of star anise. Medium bodied, the palate is soft and supple, full of juicy red fruits and chalky tannins. Well balanced and textural. A touch of spicy cedar oak and woody herb complexity with that classic Barbera acidity makes for an intriguing and very drinkable wine. Good.  
Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $20.00. Rating: 88 Points.
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2012 Pizzini King Valley Brachetto

The red variety Brachetto originally hails from the DOCG region of Brachetto d'Acqui in Piedmont, the grape used in making not only dry still reds but also rosés and sparkling wines similar to Lambrusco.  

One of the many wines from Pizzini's Italian range, the winery founded in 1994 is the only producer of this variety in Australia to date making this intriguing grape into a slightly sparkling wine. 

A light pink to an orange hue in colour. There's an intense bouquet of rose petal, strawberry and cherry that translates to a light-bodied frizzante wine. A pearl necklace of small beads rings the glass. What you swallow I can only describe is a bubbly fresh rose petal moscato. Creamy, gentle mouthfeel with a smooth fruity, rather than dry finish. 

Subtle and refreshing low alcohol drink. If you were ever wanting to start the day off on a different note, serve this chilled for breakfast. 


Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 5.5%. Closure: Crown Cap. Price: $17.50. Rating: 89 Points. Website: http://www.pizzini.com.au/pizzini/

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2010 Dunn's Creek Estate Babbling Brooke Savagnin


No prizes guessing that the brook runs through the idyllic Dunn's Creek property at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. 

This Savagnin is yet another of the alternative varieties that Roger and Hannah Stuart-Andrews have grown and other than one or two other producers on the Peninsula, is an uncommon grape variety there.

Attractive pale straw colour with subtle aromatics of grapefruit, burnt orange, lime and melon.
Zesty, mineral-edged and showing some lime notes and melon fruit on an off dry palate.
It's light-bodied with a fine crunchy mid-palate. Smoothly textured but a watery, grapey finish that doesn't do this Savagnin justice. 

Pity though, it deserved a better score. Appealing wine nevertheless.

Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 14.0%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $22.00. Rating: 89 Points.
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