Ocean Eight Pinot Noir 2023 from Ocean Eight in Tuerong and Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula is a fragrant, coastal Pinot with serious finesse – bright, red‑fruited, gently powerful and built squarely with food in mind. This 2023 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir comes from low‑yielding vines planted in 1999 (clones 114, 115 & MV6), giving concentrated fruit, fine structure and that classic lean, bright, acid‑driven house style.

In the glass it’s light, bright ruby with a purple edge, showing aromas of rosebuds, freshly picked red fruits, black cherry, forest floor and a savoury capocollo/curing‑pork note. The palate runs on ripe dark and sweet cherries, strawberry and a touch of orange‑peel spice, all carried by sandy, cashmere‑like tannins, lively acidity and a long, focused, slightly autumnal finish. Wild ferments, mostly older oak and that cooler coastal site keep it elegant, flavoursome, aromatic and delicate rather than heavy.

Food‑wise, this is best with something on the plate: think roast duck, pork loin, crispy skin chicken, mushroom dishes, charcuterie or capocollo‑laden pizza where its savoury notes really sing. It’ll also shine with grilled salmon, tuna, or simple pasta with mushrooms and herbs, making Ocean Eight Pinot Noir 2023 a superb Mornington Peninsula Pinot for everything from smart weeknight dinners to long, relaxed lunches.