Neil Prentice
Moondarra
Gippsland, VIC
Neil Prentice needs little introduction to those involved in the Australian wine industry for any length of time. He has certainly been a name since our sommelier days some 25+ years ago. In 1991 Neil, a self described “wine waiter” (before the role of Sommelier was even recognised in Australia), sold his beloved 1957 Studebaker to raise money to help plant a small vineyard on his parents’ property in Gippsland. Since then he has crafted complex ‘old school’ inspired reds from Pinot Noir and a little Nebbiolo, as well as whites from rare Italian varietals Ribolla Giallo and Friulano blended with Pinot Grigio. Of course, Pet Nat has now joined the range.
The Moondarra vineyard site is an exposed and gently sloping north-east facing hill at 450 altitudes on the base of Mount Baw Baw. The property itself is dedicated primarily to the production of Wagyu cattle. Close planted and dry-grown, the deep volcanic free draining soils, rich in minerals, produce robust ferrous flavoured Pinot Noirs. The winemaking Neil now describes as #postnatural suggesting he has been there done that. That said the Pinots take their inspiration from old school ferment techniques used still at many of the great Burgundy domaines. Pied de cuve is produced at several sites across the vineyard by foot crushing grapes in buckets and these are used to seed the ferments after an extended cold soak. Regular pigeage au pied (foot treading) throughout the days of fermentation maximise extraction of colour and flavour and the wines are drained direct to barrel with full lees at dryness to add lees derived richness and integrate new oak flavours. The results are flavour packed wines with lots of old school charm and “funkosité” that offer great value at respective price points; a lot of wine for the money.
Not available in QLD, VIC, WA, TAS.