Incredibly, I’m writing a post vintage report on the 24th of March!
Whilst not the earliest vintage for Main Ridge Estate it was by far the quickest, with everything being picked over an 8 day period. Despite these unique ripening conditions, all fruit brought in was of exceptional quality and murmurs are already starting of the 2018 vintage being one of the regions greatest.
Having such a bounty of fruit ripen so quickly required a huge effort beyond the winemaking team. The 14.5 tonne of fruit produced off our small 8 acre block was gathered once again by our dedicated group of Red Hill area pickers. We are blessed to live in this small, passionate wine community and it would have been near impossible this year to have achieved this wonderful vintage without them.
Long life to our pickers!
EASTER IN THE CELLAR DOOR
We will be closed on Good Friday and open from Noon to 5pm on Easter Saturday to Monday, with light lunches available each day.
With the 2018 vintage just completed, cellar door visitors will see open vats of Pinot Noir and barrels of Chardonnay fermenting furiously.
We also have a new art exhibition by renowned local artist Gillian Haig, titled ‘Objects, shapes and colours of the Mornington Peninsula”.
We look forward to welcoming you at the cellar door this Easter for lunch and a glass of wine on the sundeck – or possibly by the fire!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT MRE
Sunday 13 May
MOTHERS DAY LUNCH
Click HERE for menu details.
Please call 03 5989 2686 for reservations.
Friday 18 May
JUSTIN BERNASCONI
Music on the Hill (MOTH) ‘Acoustic Club’
Named as ‘One of this country’s most interesting guitar talents’ by Australian Guitar Magazine, Justin Bernasconi is a rarity among guitarists and songwriters. Straddling styles and sounds from the Delta Blues, Appalachian Bluegrass, English Folk and all stops in between, his highly original tunes are infused with exciting and soulful guitar playing. Justin will play two acoustic sets on the night. Tickets available HERE.
Saturday 9 to Monday 11 June
WINTER WINE WEEKEND
All weekend – tastings and grazing plates in the barrel cellar including a 2017 Pinot Noir preview.
On Saturday, James and Linda will be pouring wines at our Winter Wine Fest stand at the Red Hill Showgrounds.
On Sunday a traditional 3 course Winter lunch in the cellar door.
Menu will be published on our website soon.
MAIN RIDGE ESTATE 2016 VINTAGE REVIEWS
We have just released the 2016 wines for review, and here are some quick extracts from the first reviews:
Mike Bennie – The Winefront
Main Ridge Estate 2016 Half Acre Pinot Noir
“Here’s what you’d call the first releases of the new era, though it feels like nothing has changed…. Balance is superb… succulence to the last sip…. great full thrust of pinot expression here”. 95 points
Main Ridge Estate 2016 Chardonnay
“It’s the Chairman’s Lounge of winemaking…. a lavish, generous Chardonnay of mellow nature and richness…. balance is impeccable… drink young and cool while revelling in its unashamed oomph”. 94 points
Jeremy Oliver
Main Ridge Estate 2016 Pinot Meunier
“Long, elegant and gentle…. oak is subtle and secondary, while it finishes with shape, charm and a very faint herbal note… delightful”. 93 points, 18/20