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Ray Nadeson describes Ménage à Noir Pinot Noir as “Lethbridge-lite”; we prefer to think of it as the opening act to this producer’s impressive suite of Pinot Noirs. It’s a blend of sites, but the lion’s share (88%) comes from Jack and Lois Doeven’s cool site in Drumborg (Henty). This low-yielding vineyard with well-established vines was planted in schist soils in the 1980s. The balance of the fruit comes from Geelong. The destemmed fruit ferments in a 3,000-litre wooden fermenter with regular pumpovers. The wine then matures in a mixture of old and new (approximately 10%) French oak of various sizes (225, 300 and 2,500 litres). This is bright, fresh and vibrant with signature Lethbridge energy and raciness balanced nicely by ripe berry fruits, earthy spice and a crunchy, sappy, lasting finish. A real winner.

Floral with pear, spice and citrus flavours light to medium weight soft acid to close.

Shadowfax have a knack for producing unique wines of great character and complexity. Premium parcels of Pinot Noir were carefully selected for their aromatics and texture. This is wine of grace and intrigue, each layer of complexity only revealing itself ever so gradually. A joy to drink.

An excellent new discovery from the home of Pinot the Yarra Valley. In the glass: Medium garnet. On the nose: Blood plum, red cherry and clove with tilled earth and tea leaf notes. On the palate: Medium weight and savoury with a fine tannin backbone underpinning the refined core of red and black fruit. Finishes with earthy spice adding complexity to the persistent finish. An elegant wine that really unfolds in the glass.

Delicate colour. Aromas of lifted raspberry, redcurrant and cranberry fruit float across underlying earth and spice notes. The palate is fine and delicate but still well defined and structured. More cranberry and redcurrant characters are on show here too. There is some gentle oak influence adding tannin and complexity.

This Pinot Noir vineyard was established by Doctors Campbell and Christine Penfold in 1994 and Quealy have worked closely with them from the beginning.