Main Ridge Estate Cabernet Merlot 1988

Main Ridge Estate was one of the first vineyards on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, but through thick and thin, this tiny estate has justified all the accolades it has collected. Main Ridge's pinots typically deliver the heady, ethereal perfume sought after in fine pinot noir with sumptuous intensity but the silkiest and finest of textures. Occasionally excellent, its Chardonnay has been a little less consistent, but recent years have seen exceptional development in depth and purity of fruit. Founded by Nat and Rosalie White, Main Ridge was bought by the Sexton family in 2015 and son James has steadily transitioned from his prior career as a sommelier into the winemaking role. Having access to Nat White and Linda Hodges, who stayed on as viticulturist and assistant winemaker, has meant that Main Ridge Estate's wines have been able to move in the direction James has intended without losing the knowledge that had established the small brand as the Peninsula's finest. The last two vintages have seen the addition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the nearby Trueman's Vineyard, whose additional altitude sees its fruit typically ripen 3 weeks later than the Estate. The wines reflect this - they're finer and less fruit-driven, but careful winemaking ensures they fit comfortably under the Main Ridge label. Readers might recall the Myrtaceae label, sourced from the same vines and actually made with considerable input from the Main Ridge team. The newly-released 2022 vintage wines clearly show another clear step up for Main Ridge Estate. This small vintage of exceptional quality has delivered wines of exceptional flavour and purity, as well and structure and balance. It's a sign that this vineyard, which is approaching 50 years of age, remains as important as ever before.