Mandala Estate Pinot Noir
A bright and complex aromatic profile displaying notes of pomegranate, dried strawberry, star anise and cranberry intermingle with hints of blue fruit, crushed violet, fresh tobacco and truffle. A finely structured palate offers both textural generosity and clarity of fruit expression. Red currant, dark cherry and cinnamon raspberry characters integrate well with supportive oak spice. Refreshing natural acidity gives the wine drive and line leading into a long and persistent finish.
Scotchmans Hill Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir from this region is amongst the best in the country and Scotchmans does it well. This example is earthy, gamey and packed with lovely pure Pinot flavour - delicious!
Oakridge Vineyard Series Hyde Park Cabernet Sauvignon
The vineyard series range of wines by David Bicknell at Oakridge matches particular varieties of wines with specific sites, showcasing outstanding examples of single vineyard wines. This wine was sourced from the north-facing Hyde Park vineyard sited in the grey alluvial loams of Coldstream. Vintage 2021 was a long, cool growing season with average cropping levels and ample rainfall has resulted in wines with outstanding varietal definition and purity. A traditional winemaking approach was used
Garagiste Merricks Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir
Fruit for this wine was hand sorted twice & produced in two ways; one fermenter of whole berries & another of 100% whole bunches. Blended together. Matured in 300-litre hogsheads (roughly 20% new, François Frères). Ten months on lees before bottling, unfiltered. A graceful & savoury expression of Mornington Pinot Noir. Red plum, spice & dark cherry characters. Fine, supporting tannins. A lingering, perfumed finish of amaro spice.
Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir
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!
Onannon Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir
Onannon is a three-man team comprising close mates Sam Middleton and Kaspar Hermann (both of Mount Mary), and Will Byron of Stonier. This wine is a blend of three vineyards: Onannon's Red Hill site (23-year-old vines, MV6 and 777 clones), plus a site in Shoreham (19-year-old vines, MV6) and one in Merricks North (20-year-old, MV6). Very typical Mornington Peninsula nose with cherry and red berry fruit to the fore, with smoke, a light hint of creamy oak and spice backing, too. Light to medium-bodied, with a nice tug of acid through the palate. The plush red fruit has alluring sweetness complemented by oak and spice. Very Pinot; seamless, composed and complete, this should please all comers.
Principia Pinot Noir
Chandon Non-Vintage Rose
This is the Australian benchmark for bubbles in this price range and will hold its position as the ever-reliable party favourite. The Chandon Rose is pink in colour and delivers enticing aromas of freshly baked pastry and nougat along with spice notes and hints of cherry and ripe strawberry. The palate is multi-layered with mouth-filling red berry flavours complemented by toasty characters. A beautifully structured mid-palate is supported by savoury spice and fine creamy notes.
Serrat Close Planted Shiraz Viognier
Serrat Shiraz Viognier is a spicy, elegant, cool-climate style, sourced off a small plot of close-planted vines in Yarra Glen. Serrat is the family label of renowned winemaker Tom Carson and his wife Nadège. The fruit is hand-picked, lightly destemmed and co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier in small open fermenters. Following fermentation, the wine is pressed to 500L French oak puncheons for 11 months maturation.
Allinda Limited Release Yarra Valley Syrah
Allinda is a tiny Yarra Valley estate, and you won't find their wines in too many places, because the quantities are so small. But when you do find them, make sure you stock up, because they are really wonderful. This sumptuous Syrah really impresses with medium to full bodied intense ripe flavour and natural acidity. Ripeness of fruit in the warmish 2016 February has lifted the flavour profile into the mulberry and plum zone so expect less white pepper than other Yarra Valley Syrahs. Allinda has kept it simple with healthy soils, healthy vines, some of the better old school practices, a dash of modern technique and a whole lotta good old winemaking sense. High-quality boutique wine with stacks of Gold wins!