Harvested from the estates E block as well as from Upper Ngumby Vineyard, the fruit was immediately destemmed and crushed into static fermenters, prior to inoculation. Acholic fermentation followed, after which the juice was kept on skins for about 3 weeks and matured for 13 months in oak barrels. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows an alcohol level of 13%, exhibiting a bright crimson red colour with purple hues along the edges. Attractive aromas of blackcurrants, leaves, violets and earthy notes flow from the nose, with the supple and rounded palate featuring fresh flavours of dark chocolate, bramble and blackberry. This elegant wine is fit for consumption upon release, also having a cellaring potential of 3 to 5 years so that its flavours and structure can enhance further. Foods like Asian BBQ lamb ribs, Beef Tenderloins, meatballs and grilled steaks taste marvellous with this delicious wine.

Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.

This is our first release of Barbera from TarraWarra Estate. We chose this variety for its inherent structure and intense flavour. It is ideally suited to the Yarra Valley, and we are very excited by this first release. The variety is thriving in its location, yielding a wine that is full flavoured, rich and long.

This is our second release of Nebbiolo from TarraWarra. It is ideally suited to the Yarra Valley and is thriving in its location, yielding a wine that has classic Nebbiolo perfume and structure. The wine has a bright garnet colour, aromas of roses, smoked meats and spice, while the palate has bright fruit driven home by characteristic Nebbiolo tannins. It will reward years of cellaring.

Hoddles Creek 1er Pinot Noir is the flagship red from the Yarra Valley darlings. The 1er range stands as a benchmarknot just for the exemplary Hoddles Creek portfolio, but for the Yarra contemporary Yarra wine landscape. Every vintage, winemaker Franco dAnna assesses the fruit grown in the SRM block of his Top Paddock vineyard. If he judges it worthy, a vintage of 1er Pinot Noir goes into production. With 20-25% whole bunch, fruit purity is the goal. Aged in up to 35% new oak, it is bright with red fruit and a deep Burgundian heart. Hoddles Creek is considered by many to be one of the best (and the best value) wineries in the Yarra. This is its top shelf white. Drink now, or cellar with confidence.

Displaying an intense ruby colour, the 2018 Inara Pinot Noir is a study in red fruits. Full of dark cherry, raspberry and macerated strawberry flavours, the palate of this wine has silky tannins and a touch of clove spice from the oak ageing. A wine made to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Expressive, supple and complex Pinot Noir with an enticing crimson/purple hue. The nose speaks of place, under the shadow of the Warramatte Ranges, dark cherry, licorice, exotic red fruits, violets and spice it is both detailed and abundant. The 2018 season of mild weather delivered us a wine of incredible balance and charm. With a subtle and long palate, there is great vibrancy as well as plenty of ripe tannin presence, ensuring a wine suitable for cellaring. 'Our Estate vineyard Pinot Noir was grown on two quite different sites; loamy brown soils on the south facing C block, and the gravelly duplex clays of the North facing B block. 'Hand-picked on the 21st and 22nd of March the fruit was kept in the coolroom overnight. De-stemming into vats the following morning (3% whole bunch inclusion) the fruit purity of utmost importance with daily gentle wetting of the cap and CO2 (dry ice) for protection. Once fermentation commenced after the fourth day (indigenous yeasts finally co-operating), the cap was pumped over very gently twice per day, with the odd pigeage, and remained on its skins for 15 days. 'At the completion of fermentation, the wine was pressed to tank and then racked to French oak barrels (30% new) for malolactic fermentation. 10 months in oak, before being bottled.' Medhurst Wines is the realisation of the long held and shared vision of Ross and Robyn Wilson to own a property in the Yarra Valley and produce high quality wines. Ross was CEO of Southcorp and drove the companys acquisition of Penfolds, Lindemans and Wynns in 1990. He has remained passionate about wine ever since. Ross and Robyn Wilson spent years looking for the perfect site and for many reasons they jointly decided on the Yarra Valley. Robyn Wilson spent her childhood here, and the Australian and international status of this excellent cool climate wine region and its incredible beauty, helped make their decision. The Medhurst Vineyard was also particularly chosen for its favourable micro-climate, north facing slopes, good drainage and magnificent aspect. It was planted in 2000 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. With the sole objective of making the best wine possible, careful vineyard management ensures yields are low, averaging two tonnes per acre and providing intensely flavoured fruit.

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.

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!