Fine Vintages with Fine Palates
Ocean Eight is pleased to release the 2021 vintage of pinot noir and verve chardonnay.
Releasing its wines two years after they were made allows them to spend twelve months in barrel and, crucially, have ample time to settle down after the disruption of bottling.
Restricting yields is a standard viticulture practice at the Ocean Eight vineyard, but this has not been necessary over the past few years, as La Nina has done the job on its behalf. This should be seen as a boon for those who love Mornington Peninsula pinot noir and chardonnay, as the past few vintages have made wines with a lifted power and density without sacrificing elegance and delicacy.
Verve was chosen as a moniker for its chardonnay from the very first vintage to encapsulate its style even before opening the bottle.
The 2021 vintage lives up to this name, showing distinctive grapefruit and lemon rind aromas. To taste, the wine sits firmly in the citrus spectrum and is then elevated to mouth-watering by its textural light touch and fine, mineral and talc mouthfeel.
The 2021 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir is picked from its single vineyard of sixteen acres in Tuerong. Ripening in the vineyard over the summer progressed steadily and without much intrusion from inclement weather.
The wine has a delicate smell of freshly picked light red cherries with some violets in the background as well. To taste, firm ripe cherries and a hint of aged cherry wood and five spice. Great persistence and length with graceful fine tannin.