Strong crimson-purple; a very rich, layered pinot, with blood plum to the fore, morello cherry in the vanguard; just when you think the fruit is a little one-dimensional, fine,savoury/foresty tannins on the finish haul it into line. Will be long lived.
James Halliday's Wine Companion
August 2015 - 2013 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir - 95 points
Tangy red cherries, strawberry hull, pink pepper and even a suggestion of fennel denotes an elegaantly refined pinot noir of graceful, lingering persistence. It builds on the finish, with pinot noir's classic peacock's tail displaying a flourish of understated fruit presence. Tannins are finely structured and impeccably composed, promising great things in a decade. Tyson Stelzer
What started as a part time job to earn a few dollars during his university days turned into a committed obsession. Michael worked in the family owned winery, Kooyong, spending time out in the vineyard, in the winery and on the road and the net result was a desire to make this his career.Following the sale of Kooyong Michael went into business with his parents to form Ocean Eight taking on the role of Winemaker and General Manager.To complete his education Michael undertook several study tours of France, concentrating on the hallowed vineyards and cellars of Burgundy.
Whilst he makes Mornington Peninsula wines he has applied the most salient Burgundian techniques to take the wines to another level. In 2011 Michael won the highly coveted “Young Gun Of Wine” award. Leading wine writers Max Allen, Philip Rich and Nick Stock judged this competition.