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NOTES
Garry and Rollo Crittenden are dedicated small scale vignerons with an exciting range of handcrafted wines. Today, their efforts are channelled into producing small batches of wines that elegantly and emphatically speak of their varietal and geographic provenance under the Crittenden Estate, Pinocchio and Geppetto ranges The family takes great care, pleasure and pride in the wine it produces. The portfolio spans estate-grown, cool climate wines of Burgundian origin, new and exciting Italian varietals and other regional classics from both the Mornington Peninsula and further afield from some of central and north-east Victoria’s finest vineyards.
While that is indicative of how far this family company has come since planting its first vines on the Peninsula 25 years ago, there is one overriding and essential constant linking all phases of its winemaking endeavours: a deep-seated commitment to doing everything possible in the vineyard that leads to the finest fruit quality and, afterwards, treating that fruit in the winery in such a way as to ensure it produces inspirational wine that reflects such care, passion and craftsmanship.
More than 25 years of vine age and winemaking experience underpin the flagship wines produced under the Crittenden Estate label. Our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines are among the oldest on the Mornington Peninsula and have, over the years, consistently produced wines recognized as among the finest examples of their kind in Australia.
These hand crafted wines have built up an exemplary reputation in a rather short period of time. Known in the industry for their integrity and style, the wines are serious yet approachable. The Crittenden Estate range is what the Mornington Peninsula is all about enjoyable cool climate wines with intensity, elegance, complexity and finesse. Crittenden Estate is made from 100% Mornington Peninsula fruit.
TASTING NOTES
This is another gem in the long line of Cabernets that have come off our property. At a recent retrospective tasting going back to the 1984 vintage there was not one wine that embarrassed me; naturally some vintages were better than others. This wine has a component of fruit allowed to partially “dry” on the vine. This brings a subtle “amorone” character to the wine which blends most harmoniously with the briary notes that our vines always seem to deliver.
REVIEWS
You won't hear me say too many nice things about Mornington cabernet but I do regularly make an exception for the cabernet of Dromana Estate - and now of Crittenden Estate. This wine is made off 25 year old wines growing in a warm, sheltered site, and if you shelve your prejudices it cannot be classified as anything other than a damn good wine. It is full of expansive, Italianate tannin, the flavours of dried leaves and olives tight against more robust blackcurrent and tar. It needs time in the bottle - at least five years I reckon - but this has interest and quality aplenty. Drink 2013-2019. 92 points. Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front Monthly March 2008
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