Just got through reading an article with the above title from Wine Searcher and was surprised to find that there were some revelations and surprises I wasn’t expecting. Namely, three of the top four Pinots on their top 10 list were Australian.
Finally, the world is catching up to what is considered common knowledge in Australia. The only bad news is that Australian Pinots are difficult to get in the US- check Wine Searcher for retailers. Just for the record, here is the Wine Searcher Top 10:
The World’s Best Pinot Noir (excl. Burgundy) on Wine-Searcher:
| Wine Name | Score | Av. Price |
| Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir | 95 | $752 |
| Morlet Family Vineyards Joli Coeur Pinot Noir | 95 | $142 |
| Main Ridge Estate ‘Half Acre’ Pinot Noir | 94 | $67 |
| Domaine Epis ‘Epis’ Pinot Noir | 94 | $78 |
| Occidental-Kistler Vineyards ‘SWK Vineyard Pinot Noir | 94 | $168 |
| Girlan ‘Vigna Ganger’ Riserva Pinot Noir Alto Adige | 94 | $120 |
| Beaux Freres The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir | 94 | $132 |
| Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block | 94 | $91 |
| Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Star of Bethlehem Flower Block | 94 | $75 |
| Ata Rangi Pinot Noir | 93 | $66 |
“Despite its deep history, the world is only just discovering Tasmanian Pinot Noir”– Source: Dalrymple Website.
Where to Look in Australia.
There are so many great cool climate regions in Australia that produce exceptional Pinots. Let’s not forget Antarctica is just south of Australia.
Victoria’s Port Phillip area encompassing Geelong, Macedon Ranges, Sunbury, Yarra Valley, and of course, Mornington Peninsula is widely considered the epicenter of Australian Pinot Noir. Adelaide Hills and the tiny amounts of exceptional Pinot that come out of Tasmania should also be given serious consideration.
The majority of Australian Pinots available in the US come from Victoria as a whole. Below is a short but distinguished list of what’s relatively available in the Midwest.
Dalrymple Winery- Tasmania.
The winery was established by Bertel and Anne Sundstrup in 1987, on sloping hills overlooking the Bass Strait producing 4 Single Site Pinots and, a Cuvee- only one available in the US – see photo. The property was purchased in 2007 by the Hill-Smith family to continue the vision and legacy led by Peter Caldwell.
“Pinot Noir has always been my passion – the most difficult grape to grow, the most difficult wine to make well. The most satisfying of victories.” Peter Caldwell – Vigneron. Source: Winery Website.
Footnote: The Hill-Smith Family also owns Jansz Winery which produces an N/V Sparkling Rose made from Pinot and Chardonnay which is an absolute delight to drink and share with friends.
Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Cuvee.
Giant Steps Winery focuses on single vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot’s with 5 different sites nearby but all individual and different. Their Applejack Vineyard Pinot 2020 vintage was ranked #1 wine in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list and their 2020 Yarra Pinot (a blend of all 5 vineyards) was ranked #18 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines.
The Cuvee is the only one available in the US at the moment and is reasonably priced but expect price increases moving into 2023, unfortunately.
Moorooduc Estate- Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
Established in 1982 by Richard and Jill McIntyre, Moorooduc Estate is a small, family-run winery business that has a reputation for complex and food-friendly wines.
Their philosophy is to make the best wines possible with the best grapes available, hands-on care with minimal intervention allowing the wine to develop and speak for itself. Their wine is produced in a brand-new facility using traditional Burgundian techniques and one sip and you’ll agree, all the care and attention are worth it.
Vine to Table 
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