The Kooyong vineyard and winery, established in 1996, was acquired by the Gjergja family in 2004. Kooyong is located in Tuerong, towards the northern end of the Mornington Peninsula. The majority of the forty hectare site is planted to Pinot Noir, with a substantial area of Chardonnay and several small sections of Pinot Gris.

All Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate wines are entirely domain grown, vinified and bottled. The wines in the Quartier stable are produced from estate grown fruit and fruit from neighbouring vineyards.

The Kooyong Clonale is a blend of Chardonnay from our Tuerong and Balnarring vineyards. The parcels in this wine represent 8.1 hectares. The 2018 Clonale offers a highly aromatic nose displaying notes of lime zest and nectarine along with a subtle struck-match savouriness. An energetic palate with vibrant grapefruit and mandarin flavours races towards a long, pithy finish.

Friends for Sunday lunch, a bottle of Clonale to share – that would be a perfect day. This offers stone fruit and grapefruit, with pith as well, and lots of nutty and spicy aromas. The palate fleshes out to fuller bodied, but is not at all heavy; more textural and refreshing acidity to close. Date: Mar 2024; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $38.00; Rating: 92 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion