The Renaissance of a Mornington Peninsula Icon Founded in 1978 by the late Brian Stonier, the estate was one of the pioneers that established Mornington Peninsula as Australia's spiritual home for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Long before the region enjoyed today's international reputation, Brian recognised something extraordinary in this stretch of coastline south of Melbourne. His belief was both simple and ambitious: that the Peninsula's maritime climate, ancient soils and cooling ocean influence could produce wines capable of standing alongside the finest examples anywhere in the New World. Nearly half a century later, history has proved him right. For many Australians, Stonier was more than simply a respected winery. It was the estate that introduced an entire generation to the elegance and refinement of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Before Mornington Peninsula became one of Australia's most celebrated fine wine regions, Stonier had already become one of its defining names. Like many pioneering estates, however, its journey has not always followed a straight path. Following its sale to corporate ownership in 1999, the wines remained consistently good and the vineyards never lost their remarkable potential. Yet one of Australia's founding estates gradually slipped from the spotlight as a new generation of ambitious Mornington Peninsula producers emerged. This is not criticism of corporate ownership rather, it reflects the reality that truly great estates often flourish when every decision is driven by a singular vision. That vision returned in late 2022. A consortium of Mornington Peninsula families, led by Aaron and Rebecca Drummond together with the McLeod and Thickins families, acquired Stonier with one clear ambition - not to reinvent the estate, but to restore it. The objective was never to chase fashion or create a new identity. Instead, it was to reveal, once again, what had always made Stonier special. One of the new owners' first appointments spoke volumes. Julian Grounds joined as Technical Director, taking responsibility not only for the winery but also for the vineyards themselves. Great wine is not made solely in the winery; it is the culmination of hundreds of decisions taken throughout the growing season. Vineyard and winery must work together with complete harmony if an estate is to reach its full potential. Julian's résumé is exceptional, encompassing Leeuwin Estate, Giant Steps, McHenry Hohnen and, together with vintages in Burgundy, Oregon and Central Otago before four years at New Zealand icon Craggy Range. More importantly, he understands that the role of a custodian is not to impose a signature style, but to reveal the identity of a place with greater clarity. His appointment also reflects a broader movement taking place across Australian fine wine. Many of Australia's most talented winemakers have returned home after working in Burgundy, USA, Italy, and New Zealand, bringing with them fresh perspectives whilst remaining deeply respectful of Australian terroir. Combined with vineyards now approaching fifty years of age, Mornington Peninsula is entering what we believe is its most exciting chapter since the region first emerged on the world stage. Stonier sits confidently at the heart of that renaissance. The estate now directly manages its historic home vineyard together with an outstanding collection of sites across the Peninsula, including vineyards in Merricks that have long formed part of the Stonier story. The range itself has been refined to just eight wines - four Chardonnays and four Pinot Noirs. Nothing exists for the sake of range extension. Every wine has a clear purpose. Perhaps most refreshing is the philosophy behind those wines. Too often, wineries reserve their greatest attention for flagship bottlings whilst treating regional wines as little more than an introduction. At Stonier, the regional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are considered the estate's calling cards - the wines that most people will encounter first. Consequently, they receive exactly the same care and attention as the Reserve and single-vineyard releases. It is a philosophy we admire enormously. The renewed focus on quality is perhaps best illustrated by production itself. Reserve Chardonnay, once produced in volumes approaching 2,000 dozen bottles, is now made in quantities closer to 220 dozen. It is a remarkable reduction that says everything about the estate's priorities. Quality has replaced quantity. The Chardonnays capture everything we admire about Mornington Peninsula. There is crystalline purity, vibrant acidity, citrus and white orchard fruit layered over a distinctly saline, mineral backbone that speaks unmistakably of vineyards lying close to the Southern Ocean. The Pinot Noirs possess perfume, texture and elegance, combining generosity with freshness and remarkable precision. These are unmistakably Australian wines, yet they display a confidence and refinement that comfortably place them amongst the finest cool-climate expressions being produced anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. The transformation has been remarkably swift. The 2025 vintage has attracted widespread critical acclaim across the entire portfolio, reflecting not simply an excellent growing season but a clearly defined vision executed with precision throughout both vineyard and winery. Becoming the UK agent for this historic estate is far more than simply adding another producer to The Vinorium portfolio. We believe we are witnessing the renaissance of one of Australia's true pioneering wineries, guided by custodians who deeply understand both its remarkable heritage and its future potential. Some great estates must build their reputation from the ground up. Others simply need the right people to unlock the greatness that has always existed. We firmly believe Stonier has entered that second chapter, and we are genuinely proud to share its remarkable revival with our customers. We have already received strong interest from our trade customers. Stonier occupies a unique position within the market, offering exceptional Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at prices that compare remarkably favourably with many Burgundian counterparts. In terms of quality, they comfortably stand shoulder to shoulder. In terms of value, Burgundy is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. Our allocation also reflects Stonier's commitment to the UK market. However, as mentioned in my introduction, production of the Reserve wines is extremely limited - particularly the Reserve Pinot Noir, where quantities are genuinely tiny. To provide maximum flexibility, we have created a range of purchasing options: In Bond: Cases of 6 x 75cl Duty Paid: Cases of 3 x 75cl The Stonier Collection: One bottle of each wine, offered Duty Paid only As always, Vinorium customers receive first priority. This exclusive offer closes at 9:00am on Monday 20 July, after which any remaining allocation will be offered to our growing network of trade customers. Should any wines remain available following both allocations, they will return to our website once they have physically arrived in the UK. Exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir no longer have to command Burgundy or USA prices. As Stonier's UK importer, we purchase directly from the estate, eliminating unnecessary layers of distribution and cost. The result is a collection that delivers world-class Mornington Peninsula wines at prices that compare remarkably favourably with many Burgundian counterparts. Few fine wines offer a more compelling quality-to-price ratio, and that has always been central to The Vinorium's philosophy: to source the finest wines possible and offer them at prices that encourage customers to buy, drink and cellar with confidence. Our shipment is currently being prepared for export and is scheduled to leave Australia alongside the 2024 Standish collection later this month or in early August. The wines will travel on a direct sailing to the UK. We currently anticipate arrival in late October to early November, and will, of course, provide more precise timings as soon as the vessel booking has been confirmed. The 2025 Collection “It's our ambition to see the Mornington Peninsula spoken about in the same way that the Willamette Valley, Central Otago and other great New World regions are.” “The Stonier wines are in such wonderful good form.” Estate Chardonnay “Great to see this wine back in fine form.” “This is squeaky clean in the best of ways and impresses from the outset.” The Estate Chardonnay perfectly captures the essence of modern Mornington Peninsula. Sourced predominantly from cooler vineyard sites across the southern reaches of the Peninsula, it combines vibrant citrus and white orchard fruits with impressive energy, precision and a distinctly mineral backbone. There is admirable concentration, yet freshness always takes centre stage. A subtle saline thread runs throughout the palate, adding both complexity and persistence. This is exactly the sort of Chardonnay we love to introduce customers to - refined, expressive, and remarkably complete for its level.
Estate Pinot Noir “This is the best standard Stonier Pinot Noir that I can recall.” The Estate Pinot Noir is wonderfully approachable whilst losing none of the region's hallmark elegance. Drawn largely from higher-elevation vineyards around Merricks and Merricks North, the wine offers generous aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, framed by beautifully judged tannins and vibrant natural acidity. There is lovely fruit purity here, making it irresistible in its youth, yet sufficient structure to reward several years in the cellar. A superb introduction to the Stonier style.
Merricks Chardonnay “Boy oh boy does it have a mighty fine future ahead.” “Such a precise wine, linear and tight yet bursting with juicy acidity.” This is where Stonier begins to reveal the character of individual place. Sourced primarily from the historic Estate Vineyard together with the neighbouring Thompson Vineyard - first planted by Brian Stonier in 1978 and among the oldest continuously producing Chardonnay vineyards on Mornington Peninsula - the wine possesses noticeably greater depth and concentration. Low-yielding vines provide remarkable intensity, whilst the region's maritime influence preserves freshness and drive. Richer, more layered and more complex than the Estate Chardonnay, this is a beautifully poised expression of Merricks.
Merricks Pinot Noir “Magic this wine most certainly has. So much so that I’m tempted to call it 'The One'.” “The palate is an explosion of flavour, power and definition.” The Merricks Pinot Noir draws upon some of Stonier's finest mature vineyards, including the historic Gance and Merrifield sites, both now exceeding twenty-five years of age. Planted on deep volcanic soils and cooled by the maritime influence of Western Port Bay, the wine combines perfume and elegance with impressive depth and structure. Red and black berry fruits mingle with gentle spice, earthy undertones and finely textured tannins, producing a Pinot Noir that speaks eloquently of both site and maturity.
Reserve Chardonnay “This is excellent, a wine of clarity.” “It tastes like a celebration of the Chardonnay variety.” The Reserve Chardonnay represents the pinnacle of Stonier's Chardonnay programme. Produced from the estate's finest parcels, centred around the celebrated 1982-planted '40 Rows' block and complemented by fruit from the outstanding KBS Vineyard, it is a wine of remarkable authority. Greater concentration, extraordinary length and crystalline precision are beautifully balanced by the hallmark saline minerality that has become synonymous with Stonier. Powerful yet never heavy, this is a Chardonnay of real sophistication that will reward extended cellaring.
Reserve Pinot Noir “This is a pretty special wine. I mean, wow.” “There’s a density here without it being a weighty wine... Bravo.” Production of the Reserve Pinot Noir is exceptionally small, reflecting both the rarity of the fruit and the uncompromising selection behind the wine. Sourced exclusively from the original Stonier Family Vineyard, planted in 1982, these mature vines sit on dark volcanic soils within a sheltered amphitheatre of native forest. The resulting wine possesses a depth, savoury complexity and earthy intensity unlike any other in the portfolio. Dark cherry, wild berry fruit, forest floor and exotic spice unfold across a beautifully structured palate supported by silky, persistent tannins. It is a wine of remarkable individuality and, for us, one of the finest Pinot Noirs currently being produced on Mornington Peninsula. 
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “Grown on the 1982 plantings. Bottled under (DIAM) cork. This is a pretty special wine. I mean, wow. The tannin structure and the underlying, undergrowth-driven complexity are the bomb. It’s all driven by fresh, ripe, cherry-plum fruit but the rounds of pepper-and-leaf savouriness come in layers and the finish really does set sail for history. this wine is not for opening now, it needs time, but its quality is fundamentally elite.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “Made from the original plantings from ’82 with a lot of vineyard work latterly to get these old vines back into optimum condition. It’s starting to show. There’s a density here without it being a weighty wine, with exceptional tannin structure the key. Aromas and flavours marry well. The palate is supple and plush, with the acidity juicy and buoyant. Bravo.” Melissa Moore, The Real Review “Deep ruby, a little reserved on the nose initially, opening up in the glass to a ripeness of soused plums and cherry clafoutis, wood spice and petrichor dust, a note of forest fungi and game meats. The palate is plush and fruit-rich, with a depth that belies its light-bodied frame, a fine crest of acidity and silken tannins holding through a lingering cherry pip finish. Persistent and complex, and still unfurling in the glass.” £134.85 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £198.50 per case (6x75cl) 
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “The Stonier wines are in such wonderful good form. This is for the cellar, arguably, and in that role it will perform beautifully. But give this wine time to breathe, even now, and it blossoms so very well. It shows grapefruit, lime spider, stonefruit and juicy pear flavours, with ever-so-deft inputs from cedar and hay. It’s a wine of line-and-length but it has a clear juiciness, perhaps even a joy. In fact it tastes like a celebration of the chardonnay variety.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “The influence of winemaker Julian Grounds is obvious this vintage, although it goes hand-in-hand with the hard work in the vineyard. This is excellent, a wine of clarity. Expect white peach with lemon and lime juice plus zest, bolstered by a smidge of cedary oak and ginger spice. A sensation of crushed quartz and perfectly poised phenolics adds shape to the palate. There’s a latent power within yet it's curtailed by the lemon saline-like acidity. A cracking wine today, tomorrow and well into the future.” £100.50 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £141.50 per case (6x75cl) 
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “A magic resides on the dark side of the moon but how you get there no one knows, or in wine terms they don’t. It’s a magic dust that appears before you know what you did. This wine – so beautifully expressed and so beautifully extended – presents an array of savoury earth-like notes, which then run into florals and cherry-berry fruit. But whether this wine’s magic comes as a by-product of sweetness, sourness, creaminess and earth, or whether it comes via some unknown path, it’s near impossible to tell. But magic this wine most certainly has. So much so that I’m tempted to call it The One.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “While it initially appears pretty and so aromatic, and it is, the palate is an explosion of flavour, power and definition. A rich combo of spiced sweet cherries, pips, toffee apple and pops of lovely stemmy flavours acting more as seasoning, alongside baking spices and cedary oak, which also pumps up the volume. Fuller bodied, with supple tannins and tangy acidity drawing this to a long finish.” £94.50 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £130.95 per case (6x75cl) 
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “It’s early-ish 2026 and this was picked in early-ish 2025, so fair to say that it’s still a pup, and arguably too young to be tasted and consumed. But boy oh boy does it have a mighty fine future ahead. Intensity, texture and length are already in an elevated place, and there are also suggestions of such interest. Oysters shells, lactose, honeysuckle and lemon myrtle are all whispers at most right now but they will develop, as will notes of white flowers. The base wine pushes white peach, custard apple and pear characters but in time there’ll be so much more. I’m bullish on this wine. It will be a beauty.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “Such a precise wine, linear and tight yet bursting with juicy acidity, a squirt of lemony saline and restrained flavours. Lemon, oyster shell, ginger flower and spice. It's a little creamy and nutty, but the palate remains contained and even. A little savoury and moreish, before the refreshing acidity takes over to deliver length and line. Yum.” Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot) “The first bottling of Merricks Chardonnay under Julian Grounds guiding eye. A blend from three vineyards within the estate, with elevation. Wild ferment, no battonage, partial malo and into French puncheons of which 20% is new. Some delicate grated nutmeg and birch bark greets the grapefruit and white peach tones. The traces of oak also bring out the dainty white florals. Acidity climbs steadily whilst allowing for nougatine creaminess. This bottling is amping up those richer and more textural components that sit neatly beside buttery sauces and meaty shellfish so well. It is sexy and it knows it, beautiful sipping today and will age well over 8-10 years in the dark parts of your cellar.” £94.50 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £130.95 per case (6x75cl) 
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “This wine, perhaps more than any other in the range, proves that Stonier is in the best of winemaking and wine growing hands. Buy this, cellar it, drink it. I’ve loved this ‘standard’ Stonier Pinot Noir for decades but I dare say that this is the best release that I’ve tried. Sheesh. It’s complex, it’s cohesive, it’s balanced and it feels authentic, the latter both to its variety and to its region. Mostly and ultimately though it’s more-ish. It’s cherried and strawberried and plummy and sweet spiced, with soil or undergrowth notes interwoven. Tannin profile is top notch, and the balance between juicy drinkability and tension is so perfectly judged. Last year’s releases gave an excellent insight into the uptick of Stonier but this year’s releases take things up again.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “There’s volume, there’s flavour, there’s definition, there’s delight with every sip. Wonderful aromas of florals, autumn leaves, wood spices and warm earth filter through to the mid-weighted palate. In wait, dark cherries, pips, blood orange zest, chinotto and spicy oak, with textural tannins and lively acidity. There's much more detail coming through this vintage. Nice one.” Melissa Moore, The Real Review “Deep ruby and fragrant with aromas of baked strawberry tart and bramble over spiced cedar, dried orange peel, clove, cinnamon, and a note of forest mushroom. Plush and enveloping with bright, tangy acidity and bittersweet Campari cutting against the fruit, fine tannins woven throughout and carrying a ferrous note to the close. Quite the wine.” £65.85 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £84.95 per case (6x75cl) 
2025 Stonier Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front “This is very spiffy. It’s tight and flavoursome and fruit-generous and well honed. It tastes of pears and grapefruit, peach and cedar, with chalk, brine and tonic characters about the edges and particularly through the finish. This is squeaky clean in the best of ways and impresses from the outset.” Jane Faulkner, Halliday.com “Great to see this wine back in fine form (it helps that the vintage was such a good one, given the previous difficult harvests). Pristine with light aromas and flavours of lemon verbena, beeswax, citrus, nutty, creamy lees and spicy oak. This is so refreshing thanks to its acid line and, while there’s texture, this is quite a linear style. Good drinking here, folks.” £65.85 per case (3x75cl) Also available under bond @ £80.95 per case (6x75cl) 
A mixed case of six bottles containing one bottle of each: 1 x Stonier Reserve Pinot Noir 2025 £185.35 per case (3x75cl) 
Wine Deliveries During the Heat… On 22 June, we took the decision to suspend all wine deliveries as the period of extreme heat approached. Deliveries resumed on Monday 29 June. Most customers appreciated the decision, although this is one of those situations where it is impossible to satisfy everyone. When we suspend deliveries, some customers understandably express their disappointment as they would like to enjoy their wines during the warm weather. Equally, temperatures vary considerably across the UK, with many regions remaining significantly cooler than others. We have worked closely with DPD to develop a service tailored to the needs of fine wine. All our orders are collected early morning and transported directly to their local depot (a sweep vehicle is available should we require one around lunchtime.. National trunking then takes place overnight, ensuring the majority of the journey is completed during the coolest part of the day rather than in the afternoon heat. What you can do Customers have the option to select delivery before 10:30am during checkout (DPD applies a surcharge for this premium service). Orders with a value of approximately £400 or more are automatically upgraded to this service by our system. If you have any concerns about the forecast in your area, simply contact our team and we will be delighted to hold your order until conditions improve. We review weather forecasts daily and continually balance the risks against our customers' wishes and the commercial realities of suspending deliveries. Ultimately, we believe the most sensible approach is to allow customers to decide whether they would prefer their wines to be dispatched or held back until cooler conditions return. That said, there comes a point where the risk is simply too great. When temperatures become excessive, we will not hesitate to suspend all deliveries, regardless of the inconvenience. Looking further ahead, we believe the logistics industry faces a significant challenge. Based on the past few summers, nationwide couriers may ultimately need to introduce fully temperature-controlled distribution for products such as fine wine and perishables. It will inevitably come at a cost, and those costs will be reflected in delivery prices, but as UK summers continue to become warmer, we believe it will become an essential part of protecting wines in transit. 
|
