Eldridge Estate

Owner(s) David Lloyd
Web site www.eldridge-estate.com.au
 
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Eldridge Estate

Eldridge Estate is located 90 minutes south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.

The estate is owned by David and Lloyd who produces hand-crafted Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Gamay and Sauvignon Blanc from the estate vineyard. David's spouse, Wendy, was a founding owner as well and regrettably passed away in 2014. David has 7 acres under vines, all with superb views of the valley and hills behind the vineyard and winery. The vineyard has an altitude of 225 meters at a Latitude 38 22' 16" and Longitude 145 1' 11". In altitude and climate, the site is similar to Burgundy in France.

The soil is a rich volcanic loam on a north facing slope that drops 45 meters from the top, near Arthurs Seat Road, to the spring-fed dam at the bottom of row 1 (160 meters long). It is protected from harsh winds by natural land forms which result in a long, cool, ripening period. The soils are volcanic loam from the Ordovician era, or about 200 Million years before present time. This means that the combination of ancient landforms and soil have combined to produce a truly unique set of conditions that make our vineyard special. The vines have been trained into what is known as the Scott Henry system of canopy management to provide the best possible flavor development.

Pinot Noir is the star here and is produced in a very appealing elegant style modeled after the wines of Chambolle-Musigny. The wines are sold primarily through the cellar door.

Reviewed Wines

2012 Eldridge Estate Mornington Peninsula Australia Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. One of the coolest and oldest vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula with vines dating back to 1984. Owner and winemaker David Lloyd is dubbed the “Clone Ranger” in Australia for his research on clones of Pinot Noir. 7 acres of Pinot Noir (6 clones) and Chardonnay (5 clones). This wine is darker than usual in this vintage. 10% whole cluster. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Endearing aromas of cherry, brown spice and vanilla picking up intensity over time in the glass. The middleweight flavors of dark cherry and raspberry are vivid and expansive, finishing with noticeable verve and length. The oak is complimentary but could benefit from more time to fully integrate The suave, suede-like tannins are nicely balanced. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-closed bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed September 14, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Eldridge Estate Single Clone MPV6 Mornington Peninsula Australia Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wonderful wine is showing a modest oak sheen that will integrate over time. The nose offers aromas of cherry, sandalwood, spice and sweet oak. Impressive fullness and richness on the palate that features discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum. Soft, even velvety in the mouth, with a richly fruited, very long finish. Hard to resist now, this gorgeous Pinot Noir will benefit from a few years in the cellar. Score: 93-94. Reviewed September 14, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Eldridge Estate Red Hill Victoria Mornington Peninsula Australia Pinot Noir

13.5%, 120 cases, $49.99. Importer H. Mercer Imports, Studio City, CA. Indigenous yeast fermentation, aged in mostly older French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of red cherries, tea, rose petals and a hint of smoky oak taking on more fruit intensity over time in the glass. Middleweight flavors of red and black cherry backed by well-proportioned dry tannins with nicely integrated oak in the background. Some spice and mineral nuances add interest. Very silky and caressing on the palate with a juicy, bright finish. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2008 Eldridge Estate Single Clone MV6 Mornington Peninsula Australia Pinot Noir

13.6% alc.. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Somewhat shy aromas of darker cherries and raspberries. Pleasing middleweight flavors of black cherry and plum with an earthy, savory underpinning. The tannins are fine-grain, the oak plays a flattering role, and the fruit-driven finish lasts and lasts. A charming wine with impressive harmony. Will easily last another 10 years in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed September 14, 2014 ARTICLE »

2006 Eldridge Estate Red Hill Mornington Peninsula Victoria Australia Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., screw cap. · Moderate deep red color in the glass. Attractive aromas of cherries and ripe strawberries with a hint of oak and mint. Delicious slightly confected cherry core that is rich yet light on its feet. Accents of savory herbs and cinnamon spice are complimentary. Beautifully composed with gossamer tannins and a crisp finish. My only nit would be a lack of persistence on the refreshing finish but the wine more than makes up for this with upfront charm. Reviewed November 13, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Eldridge Estate Single Clone MV6 Mornington Peninsula Australia Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass with no sign of aging. Fresh and bright aromas of cherry and red plum initially, fading a bit in the glass over time with more oak showing up. Light to mid weight flavors of cherries and raspberries with a hint of spice and mushroom. Very elegant with supple tannins and some finishing length. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold a few more years. Score: 90. Reviewed September 14, 2014 ARTICLE »

2005 Eldridge Estate Red Hill Victoria Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., screw cap. · A very accessible nose of crushed cherries, spice and a hint of toast. Soft, subtle sour cherry and tea flavors. Firm acidic background. One for the table. Reviewed June 17, 2007 ARTICLE »

2003 Eldridge Estate Single Clone MV6 Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. · A beautiful and feminine Pinot Noir with an alluring perfume of violets, roses and crushed strawberries. The lengthy finish ends with a raspberry kiss. Perfect with food. Reviewed June 17, 2007 ARTICLE »

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