From a unique vineyard site in Melbourne's eastern suburbs the Egan family have been producing this beautiful Bordeaux-styled red since 1997; cassis and cedar characters with admirable length. Adorned with artwork from Melbourne cartooning icon, Leunig, the Amelia is firmly established within the Langton's Classification of Australian Wine and is a must have for all serious wine collectors.

Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No.1 Yarra Valley Cabernet A feature of the Langton’s Classification since its 1990 inception, “No . 1” remains one of Australia’s most sought-after Bordeaux style blends. It is principally a Cabernet Sauvignon affair, with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot playing supporting roles. Described as a “classic claret-style”, it features bright, blackcurrant fruit characters, savoury complexity and fine-grained tannins. Originally made by the late great Dr Bailey Carrodus, this flagship of the Yarra has been in the hands of Sarah Crowe (James Halliday’s 2016 Winemaker of the Year) since the 2013 vintage.

This Levantine Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa-rich chocolate on the nose. Followed by the supple, balanced middle palate evokes truffle, bramble and earthy complexity on the palate. An outstanding example of site and region, its chewy, satisfying tannins are beautifully integrated with fleshy fruit characters, hedonic spice and lingering, persistent length.

The Levantine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent with blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa-rich chocolate. The supple, balanced middle palate evokes truffle, bramble and earthy complexity. An outstanding example of the Yarra Valley region, its chewy, satisfying tannins are beautifully-integrated with fleshy fruit characters, hedonic spice and lingering, persistent length.

Mac Forbes philosophy towards pinot is to look after the detail, keep it simple and respect the fruit. The onus is on fruit quality and balance and not on winemaking solutions or corrections. For them winemaking is an extension of the vineyard where they aim to capture the fruit expression and carry this through to bottle. They pick when the fruit is ripe but still crunchy to taste. The Yarra Valley Pinot is a blend of Mac Forbes declassified barrels from their grower vineyards and the Mac Forbes single vineyard sites. The Bordeaux blend is still arguably the most successful of all grapes or blends from the Yarra Valley. At relatively low alcohols the wines are elegant, perfumed and ripe. While approachable as a young wine, Hugh will age gracefully for twenty plus years. In this wine Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety and is complimented by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

While mainly known for his extraordinary Chardonnay, Dave Bicknell's Cabernet's continue to fly under the radar of most when thinking of Victoria's greatest cool-climate red wines. This is great for those who wish to keep this little secret a secret for a while longer, but rest assured word will get out as the purity and power of this 864 Cab is something to behold. Minimal, but expert techniques are employed to deliver a Cabernet that is built for the long haul, yet is wonderfully enjoyable in its youth.

Further testament to both vine age and the merits & complexity of this blend, which allow the wine to rise above an otherwise challenging year. Classic blackcurrant, cigar box and tapenade aromas, overlaid with notes of violet, Christmas cake and sweet spices, lead onto a supple, savoury and effortless palate that builds towards a long & lively finish.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley

Medium-deep ruby, with a strong, vibrant centre. Classic varietal aromas of cassis and ripe berries with a touch of leafiness. The palate is medium to full-bodied and well-structured. Perfectly ripe, full of cassis and smoky oak with a pronounced fruit profile.