Mornington magic

Yal Yal Estate won the inaugural Best Small Winemaker Trophy at the 10th Mornington Peninsula Wine Show.

The winery is owned by wife-and-husband team Liz and Simon Gillies, and made by Rollo Crittenden.

The award is open to wineries that produce under 20 tonnes, with the score based on an average from at least three submitted wines.

“It provides an opportunity to celebrate emerging and boutique wineries alongside renowned regional names,” chief judge Dan Buckle said.

Yal Yal Estate scored an impressive 91.3 across its four wines entered.

The other new trophy, Best Rosé, was won by Baillieu Vineyard 2023 Rosé made from a blend of Pinot Noir (61 percent), Meunier (23 percent) and Shiraz (16 percent).

Crittenden Estate continued its winning streak, taking home the trophy for Best Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris for its Crittenden Peninsula 2023 Pinot Gris for the third consecutive year.

Port Phillip Estate’s Morillon Chardonnay won the Chardonnay trophy.

Yabby Lake proved its strength as a sparkling producer, winning Best Sparkling Wine for Yabby Lake 2018 Single Vineyard Cuvée Nina.

A highlight of the show is the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Provenance Awards which highlight the enduring quality and consistency of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir throughout the years.

Paringa Estate claimed the Chardonnay trophy for its Paringa Chardonnay vintages 2022, 2021 and 2018 also winning best White Varietal or Blend with its Paringa Estate 2023 ‘Estate’ Riesling

Montalto won the Pinot Noir Provenance Award for the second year in a row, for its 2022, 2017 and 2015 Montalto Tuerong Pinot Noir.

“The Mornington Peninsula is primarily celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,” Dan Buckle said.

“However, it was thrilling to discover such vibrant sparkling wines, cool vintage Pinot Gris, and Riesling wines, crafted by a group of skilled winemakers and vignerons highlighting the diversity of the individual sites and sub-regions.”