This is an elite Mornington Peninsula operation that is producing outstanding examples of Pinot Noir that rival the best in the country at the moment.
From a single block in Balnarring, this is a single-minded project was built out of a singular focus shared by husband and wife team, Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes.
The goal from the outset has been to produce Pinot Noirs that faithfully display the unique terroir of their site. The wines are powerful, brooding and deep. They have a savouriness and a structure which conjures up thoughts of Burgundy but delivered with a distinctly Australian accent.
96 Points James Suckling
A stunning pinot with such pure and fresh strawberries and red cherries, swathed in spices and sappy complexity. The detail in the tannin structure is impressive. This delivers interest, power, elegance and length. Super fresh and long finish. Drink or hold.
95 Points Campbell Mattinson
Made by Kevin Bell. MV6 pinot. Matured for 20 months in oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Single vineyard release named after the famous font. Garamond. It’s a beautiful word in itself.
Elegant power. It looks light but it has presence. It presents a myriad of autumnal, spice-strewn flavours but the fruit is ripe and racy. A spot of reduction, a slip of smoky oak, undergrowth notes beavering away beneath. This is impressive. There’s a macerated feel to the fruit but there’s still a great deal going on. This is arguably the best Garamond I’ve tasted. In the tannin I see finesse. Excellent signs everywhere. Drink 2020-2028.
