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This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

A vintage defined by cool, wet conditions, low crops and harvesting late into autumn. The resulting wines have great depth of flavour and vibrant, balanced acidities. A traditional winemaking approach was used to produce this wine - whole berry bunch fermentation in open vessels for two weeks followed by a 10 month maturation in French oak.

This block of D2V5 clone has long proven an integral component of our Estate Pinot Noir blend, consistently contributing a light touch of prettiness, perfume and poise to marry with the routinely more robust elements provided by our MV6 clonal blocks. As an extension of our explorations into the possibilities of future ‘fits’ for our vineyard plantings in the face of the steadily evolving and warming climate, we are also delving into the world of clonal variation in Pinot Noir. Trial and subsequent selection of suitable clones beyond the omnipresent and, so far, unsurpassed Yarra Valley ‘workhorse’ MV6 clone may well throw a lifeline in extending the ongoing viability of this noble variety on the Valley floor. As a first step in this process, we chose to feature the north facing D2V5 clone as a singular wine. This wine walks a tense line between savoury and sweet-fruited characters. It bears a brightness of colour with an intensity of varietal fruit. Aromas of black cherry and char, rose petals and baked clay abound, with darker elements of clove, nutmeg, coffee and damp earth. The palate features flavours of sarsaparilla, Aleppo pepper, and porcini mushroom powder. Miso and cocoa nib surf a subliminal stemmy note. Clonal particularity accentuated by a soft guiding hand in the winemaking delivers a promising steppingstone in a future represent for this clone in our closely entwined Yarra Valley floor climatic and clonal future.

Scorpo produces another excellent example of Pinot Gris from the Mornington Peninsula. Lifted aromas of pear apricot and green apple lead into a palate rich and silky in texture, the flavours showing depth and complexity, the acidity in perfect balance.

Lethbridge are on the cutting edge of fresh and vibrant winemaking with Ray Nadeson at the helm. Winning praise and accolades across the country, Ray produces a Pinot Noir here that displays an intense bouquet of cherry and spice, which leads into a dark cherry, sweet earthy palate with its fine tannins.

Scorpo has quickly gained a reputation for its Pinot; classic cherry, red berry and spice on the palate that is supported by a savoury, undergrowthy finish. A wonderfully rich and ripe style that lacks nothing in the power department. Still quintessentially Pinot, but with some serious body.

This is a very affordable Pinot from the highly regarded Tarrawarra winery with fruit sourced from the estate and the hills of southern NSW. A well made Pinot with good fruit depth and varietal flavour.

Look forward to strawberries, spices, herbs, bay leaves, and cassis on the nose – with a lovely vibrant intensity of red fruits on the palate. "Callie Jemmeson believes that winemaking doesn’t have to have barriers: what it does need is quality, focus and a destination. With a strong emphasis on vineyard selection and a gentle approach to their small-batch winemaking," Halliday.

Sandro Mosele's Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir has gamey, wild berry and forest floor aromas offer richness and complexity on the nose. Sappy, sour cherry flavours with well judged oak are framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. Outstanding!