Who makes it?

Yabby Lake Pinot Gris might be a surprise for some who don’t know the Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris story. It is in this region that Kevin McCarthy and Kathleen Quealy, of T’Gallant notoriety, planted some of Australia’s first Pinot Gris vineyards. That was back in the 1990s.

Pinot Gris is now a staple grape variety that you will find throughout the region. This Yabby Lake version is a good savoury version. The estate itself is also one of the highlights that you can find in Australia’s Mornington Peninsula. Found to the South East of Melbourne, it is known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Not only its high quality Pinot Gris. 

The cellar door overlooking the vineyard at Yabby Lake is also a great place to stop and there is, of course, a restaurant. Else, you can just taste. It is your choice.  And of course there is a lake with yabbies!

The estate’s Red Claw wines are also worth having a look at, although at this level the Red Claw Shiraz come from Heathcote.

How do they make it?

This is estate grown Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris fruit. Like its partner, Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay, it has been handpicked, whole bunch pressed and then 50% was barrel fermented with wild yeasts in old French oak. 

What does it taste like?

This Yabby Lake Pinot Gris is a dry, spicy and savoury style of white wine. It is fuller bodied and textural with some lightly rich creaminess from that partial barrel ferment.

The fruit here is white fruit, pear and it is varietally nutty. And this nuttiness is further enhanced by the oak treatment. Leaving some lovely nutty notes that linger with the ginger spice on this finish. It is lush and rounded and has enough fresh and crisp acid to keep the wine elegantly poised and balanced.

What to drink it with?

This flavourful dry Pinot Gris does go well with chicken and pork. Also vegetarian dishes and fish.

Cheese

A hard mature cheese such a gouda and Manchego will be good here. 

Quickie review « A great introduction to the finesse of a partially barrel fermented Pinot Gris. »

Country of Origin:  Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Tasting Date: June 2024
Price:   A$38 
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Yabby Lake  Pinot Gris  why not check out:
Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay

Visit yabbylake for more.