Red Claw Pinot Noir 2023 is a vibrant and expressive wine, crafted from hand-harvested fruit from the cool, maritime climate of the Mornington Peninsula. The 2023 vintage showcases an alluring perfume of dark cherries, strawberries, and rose petals, with subtle undertones of spice and earthiness. The palate is elegant yet generous, delivering layers of red and dark berry fruits, a hint of dried herbs, and a fine thread of minerality. Soft, silky tannins and refreshing acidity drive the wine to a long, poised finish, making it a deliciously approachable Pinot Noir with depth and character.

The 2023 growing season benefited from mild, even conditions, which allowed the fruit to ripen steadily, preserving freshness and acidity while concentrating flavours. The grapes were fermented with 20% whole bunches to add structure and complexity, followed by maturation in French oak barriques for 9 months to add subtle oak influence and round out the wine's texture.

Maker:

Red Claw is the vibrant, accessible range of wines produced by the renowned Yabby Lake Vineyard, located in the cool-climate Mornington Peninsula. Established in 1998 by the Kirby family, Yabby Lake has become synonymous with producing exceptional, single-vineyard wines, with a particular focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winemaking team, led by Tom Carson, is dedicated to producing wines that express the unique characteristics of their cool-climate vineyards while maintaining a balance of purity, precision, and elegance.

The philosophy behind Red Claw wines is to craft high-quality, expressive wines that are approachable in their youth yet capable of developing further complexity with age. Red Claw offers a more accessible interpretation of the Yabby Lake style, making premium Mornington Peninsula wines available to a wider audience.

The Vineyard:

The fruit for Red Claw Pinot Noir is sourced from Yabby Lake's estate vineyards in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, a region celebrated for producing some of Australia’s finest cool-climate Pinot Noir. The vines are meticulously managed to ensure low yields and optimal ripeness, with an emphasis on preserving the purity and expression of the fruit.

The 2023 vintage enjoyed an extended growing season, allowing the fruit to develop full flavour complexity while retaining vibrant acidity. The result is a wine that showcases the hallmark characteristics of the region—elegant, fruit-driven, and finely structured with a true sense of place.