“The Grand Cru vineyard of the Mornington Peninsula”
Andrew Caillard, Master of Wine
Main Ridge Estate is an ideal site for producing exceptional quality wine.
Located on a gentle slope in a small valley, 230 metres above sea level, the seven-acre vineyard was planted progressively from 1975. It is thus one of the oldest, coolest and highest altitude vineyard sites on the Mornington Peninsula.
The 6,000 mature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Merlot vines face north-east, sheltered by mature stands of surrounding trees. The rich red volcanic soil and deep-rooted vines ensure no irrigation is required. The maritime climate prevents frosts, and moderates extreme Summer heat, extending the ripening season, and aids the retention of natural acidity in the wines.
Nat and Rosalie White, Main Ridge Estate’s founders, saw the potential of the site and over four decades built an enviable wine-making reputation. Since 2015, with Nat’s support, James Sexton has successfully built on that legacy, sustaining the Estate’s traditions whilst gradually introducing new methodologies, solely focused on enhancing the quality of the wines.
2020 Vintage
COVID challenges aside, 2020 was the most difficult viticultural year we have experienced since we began ownership of Main Ridge Estate in 2015. The cool and wet conditions resulted in a late harvest and very small crops of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In total just six barrels of each were produced.
The low yields and the uniformity of ripeness across the vineyard made us relook at how we bottled the 2020 Pinot Noir, and we decided to blend the two single Pinot Noir blocks (Half Acre and The Acre) into a single declassified estate cuvee. We are pleased to now release the 2020 Etsate Pinot Noir, in what should be considered an earlier drinking style. We will return to our traditional Pinot Noir releases from the 2021 vintage.
The cool conditions however proved favourable for the Chardonnay, with the small bunches giving the wine concentration and intensity, in spite of it’s lower than average alcohol level.
BUY WINE ONLINE
For information about each wine, and tasting notes, click on the bottle images below.
Order 12 bottles or more and you will receive $5 discount per bottle, calculated at checkout.
American Express cannot be used for online purchases. We are happy to take AMEX payments by phone.
BUY WINE DIRECT
You can order wine directly:
- If you live outside Australia, or prefer to order by email or phone, or have further queries, please contact Libby Sexton
- EMAIL Libby@mre.com.au PHONE +613 5989 2686
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
2020 Chardonnay
$65.00
2019 Chardonnay Magnum
$155.00
2018 Chardonnay
$75.00
2020 Pinot Noir
$65.00
Gift Voucher
Personalised Gift Vouchers valued from $100
Valid for 36 months from date of purchase
To purchase call Libby on 03 5989 2686
Order Direct
If you live outside Australia, and wish to order via email or by phone, or have any further queries, please contact Libby Sexton:
- libby@mre.com.au
- +613 5989 2686
Main Ridge Estate is an ideal site for producing high quality cool climate wine. Located in a small valley at 230 metres altitude on Arthur’s Seat, our small 7 acre vineyard was planted progressively from 1975. It is one of the oldest and highest vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula. The north-east facing vineyards slope gently, sheltered by stands of mature trees.
The 5,000 vines are approximately 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and there are a small number of Pinot Meunier and Merlot vines. The rich volcanic soil and mature deep-rooted vines ensure no irrigation is required. Main Ridge Estate wines have always been made exclusively from estate grown fruit.