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Hurley Vineyard - Ring the Bell for Mornington Excellence

by Evan Heisz | Sep 08, 2025

Kevin Bell holds no qualms about the future of Pinot Noir in Australia, uprooting his life to move to the Mornington Peninsula. Along with long time partner Tricia Byrnes the two have crafted something special within the confines of Balnarring. What was once a derelict homestead of the long passed Hurley family, they have taken on the task of converting the land back to its original glory. Through careful planning and steadfast execution, they were able to clear the clutter and refresh the site in order to create some of Australia's most exciting Pinot Noirs.

The 2023 vintage was a somewhat difficult one, with wet weather impacting the vineyards bringing challenges and largely reduced yields. Here, Kevin has crafted excellent acid driven wines emphasizing quality over quantity. This vintage has allowed his winemaking to standout, showcasing his technical talent coupled with a specificity of the vineyards. A triumph as always.

2023 Estate Pinot Noir

Usually $75

Now $70

92 Points

"A light, bright, juicy style showing plenty of upfront fruit, all strawberries and raspberries, with snips of fresh basil, cherry cola in there too. It’s very refreshing, driven by lively acidity, tannins light and barely there. Not complex but a lovely pinot for today."

Jane faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

2023 Lodestone Pinot Noir

Usually $99

Now $90

95 Points

"The warmest site on the property and perhaps one reason why the wine looks smart this vintage – a difficult one for reds on the peninsula, lots of disease pressure, lower yields and so forth. It’s a lighter Lodestone yet full of pleasing autumnal aromas with roses, ironstone and spicy, cedary oak. The barely mid-weighted palate is strewn with red cherries and almost-ripe raspberries, a little sweet-sour fruit, twiggy and smoky with a hint of charcuterie. The juicy bright acidity leads this to a fresh finish, fine tannins on the sideline."

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

2023 Hommage Pinot Noir

Usually $99

Now $90

95 Points

"Very much a wine of the vintage where acidity rules, which is quite OK. It’s keeping this super lively and bright, feathery yet fine, sandy tannins there, too. Tangy and tart fruit – all cherries and plum compote – herbal with pretty aromas of florals and spice. Refreshing, has some gravitas yet I’d drink this in the short term."

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

2021 Garamond Pinot Noir

Usually $119

Now $110

94 Points

"Lovely aromatics through all four of the ’23 pinots, with Garamond smelling of a sweet shop and a pastry outlet rolled into one. Red lollies, mint, roses and frangipane strawberry tart. How enticing! Sure, it has the requisite cherry accents and savoury notes, blood orange, too, and it’s tangy, a little tart across the palate where sinewy tannins jostle with the perky acidity. It needs food as a partner."

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion