95 Points - Jane Faulkner
Garagiste is one of Australia's brightest cool-climate producers, created by Barnaby Flanders back in 2006. Crafting an impressive range of small-batch Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Garagiste has a focus on expressing the single-sites and sub-regions of the Peninsula.
The 2024 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir is a blend of Peninsula grapes grown predominantly at Garagiste's Merricks North vineyard (40%), with the balance from Barney's Balnarring, Red Hill and Merricks Grove sites. Opening with lifted floral aromatics, the palate features layers of strawberry, black cherry and raspberry flavours, with an underlying savouriness and touch of spice. A Peninsula Pinot Noir of enormous drink-now appeal, this offers sensational value-for-money at this limited-time discounted price.
"95 Points. Don’t overthink this. It’s a delicious, well-made and pleasing pinot. Nothing out of place, with a neat combo of florals, red cherries, baking spices galore and some woodsy notes, too. And it's a little autumnal. Some amaro/ Angostura bitters pop out, adding a touch of exotica. A neat layer of textural tannins, mouth-watering acidity and refreshment throughout. $35. 13.5% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2032. Screwcap"- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
"94 Points. Spicy, perfumed, complex. It has plenty of structure, juicy cherry flavour, bright but balanced acidity, and excellent length. A short note for an impressive wine. What else do you need to know? Oh, yes, it drinks a charm. Tasted: Nov24. 13.5% alc. $35. Screwcap. Drink: 2024 - 2030+"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
