What a lot of people don’t realise about the Peninsula is that it’s very sub-regional. The difference between the Tuerong Chardonnay and the Main Ridge – it could be different regions. It’s completely different aspects, different bodies of water that have a huge influence on it as well. – Will Byron, Onannon
Will Byron has spent years exploring the nooks and crannies of the Mornington Peninsula, unearthing some of its most exciting vineyard sites along the way. After a long & successful stint as winemaker at Stonier, and being somewhat of a local legend, he’s been able to gain access to some incredible sites across the region and under his watchful eye, some very special fruit now makes its way into the Onannon cellar each harvest. With the annual Single Vineyard Release now an exciting annual fixture in the CellarHand calendar, we get to see his deep connection to the region brought to life through an exhilarating lineup that speaks purely of place.
Known for its world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect playground for Will to do what he does best, and few know it as well as he does. Dubbed internally as the Prince of the Peninsula, Will has firmly taken hold of the reins at Onannon & along with founding members Kasper Hermann and Sam Middleton, is driving Onannon forward with quiet confidence, style and panache, with the regional wines impressing with each and every bottling showcasing the Peninsula in its fully glory & the Single Vineyard wines not only being shining lights of Mornington, but now sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of Aussie Chardonnay & Pinot Noir.
The 2023 vintage threw its fair share of challenges at the Peninsula, but the payoff is wines that hum with energy and refinement. Texture remains key—each site offering its own interplay of structure, acidity, and tension, while still delivering the vibrancy and drinkability that define Onannon’s style. This release is a true snapshot of Mornington in 2023, and a testament to the evolution of Onannon’s Single Vineyard story. The Onannon 2023 Single Vineyard Release captures these sub-regional differences from 4 distinctive sites: ‘Robinson Vineyard’ in Tuerong, ‘Tudibaring Vineyard’ in Main Ridge, ‘The Orchard Vineyard’ in Flinders, and for the first time as a stand-alone bottling, ‘Wynnton Ridge’ in Shoreham.
TUERONG ‘ROBINSON’ VINEYARD
- – Planted between 1988 and 1994 on lower slopes
- – 36-year-old vineyard
- – The soil is a duplex clay loam and is plated to Chardonnay clones of p58 and i10V1
- – D5V12, G5V15, 777,114,115 clone Pinot Noir
- – The vineyard is split into three blocks which all ripen at slightly different times, usually leading to a ten-day picking window
2023 Tuerong ‘Robinson’ Chardonnay $68 RRP
This Chardonnay shows notes of brioche, lemonade and cinnamon. It is packed with a tonne of flavour, stone fruit and citrus attacks, and finishes dry and savoury. – Will Byron, Onannon
2023 Tuerong ‘Robinson’ Pinot Noir $71 RRP
This Pinot Noir shows notes of rhubarb, raspberry and pomegranate. There’s a slight smokiness about it, with vibrant red fruits and minerality. – Will Byron, Onannon
SHOREHAM ‘WYNNTON RIDGE’ VINEYARD
- – Established in 1994, 6-hectare old dairy farm
- – Chardonnay 10 Clone
- – Non-irrigated vineyard and south facing
- 2023 Shoreham ‘Wynnton Ridge’ Chardonnay $68 RRP
This wine shows so much minerality, with notes of anise and curd. Zero primary fruit. Notes of baked apple, cinnamon and a touch of custard on palate. – Will Byron, Onannon
MAIN RIDGE ‘TUDIBARING’ VINEYARD
- – 16 acres of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, owned and tended to by Gary McGibbon
- – Beautiful site looking out across the ocean.
- – Planted 10 years ago to Pinot clones Pommard and MV6 and Chardonnay Clone 95
2023 Main Ridge ‘Tudibaring’ Pinot Noir $71 RRP
The wine shows notes of strawberry, red fruits and some spice. I love the mouth feel, it’s rich with ripe fruit. It’s a clean and long flavour. – Will Byron, Onannon
FLINDERS ‘THE ORCHARD’ VINEYARD
– 30-year-old vineyard overlooking Western Port Bay
– MV6 and 115 Clone
– An extensive orchard and giant hedges protect it from prevailing winds forming a sun trap
2023 Flinders ‘The Orchard’ Chardonnay $68 RRP
This Chardonnay shows notes of some lemon and cheese rind. There’s a touch of smoke and stone. A nice little coil of citrus weaves through, and a dusting of spice. I like the energy and interest of this wine. – Will Byron, Onannon
2023 Flinders ‘The Orchard’ Pinot Noir $71 RRP
The wine shows notes of vibrant red fruits and a slight bit of cherry. It dances with all the red and blue berries on the palate, always delicate but buoyant. It is very pure and clean. – Will Byron, Onannon