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.

Yarra Yering is not only a Victorian icon, but a true Australian wine treasure. The Underhill Shiraz is sourced exclusively from the 1974 planted block of Shiraz at the western-most extremity of the vineyard. Drawn from soils with a higher clay base which has resulted in a wine of a more masculine bent offering darker fruits and spice with chewier tannins and a savoury undertone.

Compelling and convincing, with florals, currants and blackberries, not too sweet; it has a savoury edge, with the oak seamlessly integrated. Perfectly ripe tannins with poise and presence ensure that this is lovely now, but will be more so in years to come.

Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday and has always produced a benchmark cool-climate Pinot Noir. This beautifully textured wine boasts rich flavours of dark cherries, pepper and foresty notes, with a long and toasty finish.

The fruit for the Single Vineyard A8 Syrah is hand harvested and handled by gravity where possible. Dense red with purple. Perfumed, alluring, spice and violets. Flavours of dark fruits and graphite, graceful and textural.

This classic Yarra Valley Shiraz from Yeringberg is showing those trademark Shiraz characters of cracked black pepper and great fruit weight, there is also some good concentration and a long powdery tannin finish.

The Pinot noir vines used for this wine by Yeringberg were planted in 1969, 1970 & 1974. There are two clones the younger vines are MV6 and the older vines are known as the Rutherglen clone. All the fruit is crushed, de-stemmed and inoculated. Fermentation is generally rapid, with temperatures reaching 32°C. Ferments are plunged by hand every 8 hours. It is pressed as soon as the ferment is dry. The wine is matured in hogsheads, about 30% new, for about 18 months, with 2-3 rackings. Not filtered.

Founded more than 150 years ago, Yeringberg is both a pioneer and enduring icon of the Yarra Valley. Fourth-generation winemaker Sandra de Pury views her art as the perfect combination of intellectual, physical and sensory engagement, and shes continuing to scale new heights with the wines. This effortlessly restrained Cabernet blend is the estates flagship red, and has won the trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the Yarra Valley Wine Show for the past three out of four vintages. Its complex yet pure, from blood plums, violets and cassis to cigars, tapenade and Christmas cake. Its serious yet seamlessly structured. This beauty will be sitting pretty for 20 years.

Oakridge are well known for their white wine styles, especially their Chardonnay, but don't forget the Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that can do so well. Lovely lifted spice; bright and attractive cassis fruit and layers of fine grained tannin will greet the drinker and will be welcomed by any serious Cabernet lover.