Every vintage of Domenic and Ally Mondillo’s
Pinot Noir from the inaugural 2004 vintage has performed superbly, many gold
medal awards among them, but the 2008 took the cake with the Champion Wine of
the Show Trophy at this year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. The consistency of the wines is a testament
to the superb site, 22 hectares in the Bendigo
sub-region on the eastern slopes of Lake
Dunstan, near Cromwell. Domenic until recently was the viticulturist
for one of the largest players in Central Otago, and his skills are now devoted
full-time to his beloved vineyard, of which 10 hectares are planted to Pinot
Noir, and 2 ha to Riesling.
The Mondillo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009 has
now arrived instore, and it too is set to be as memorable as its
predecessors. The wine was made by star
winemaker Rudi Bauer, who also has
his own Quartz reef vineyard in Bendigo. Made from Dijon and Pommard clones grown on a variety
of rootstocks, 100% destemmed, given a cold soak then aged in 30% new French
oak, this weighs in at a serious 14.5% alc.
Yet the wine is remarkably elegant and light on its feet. Bright but pale ruby-garnet in colour, this
has an accessible dark red berry fruited bouquet lifted with notes of cherries
and thyme herbs. On palate, this is
especially well-proportioned and already harmonious, with soft, fine
tannins. Don’t be deceived by its
attractive, up-front and seemingly simple nature. This will definitely put on weight, become
richer and more complex over the next 3-5 years plus. It will be a wonderful foil for the 2008
trophy winner in the years to come.
Highly recommended.
Latest News: The Mondillo Bendigo Pinot Noir 2009 was awarded a gold
medal at the 2010 Bragato Wine Awards.