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.

Bright and spicy perfume with lifted blackberry fruit and a subtle mélange of smoked spices. Wonderfully soft and textured - the wine has the classic suppleness and generosity of shiraz with the fineness and freshness associated with great cool climate fruit. The flavours are fresh and lively with fine tannins and core of pure fruit. 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.

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!

Australia's premier cool climate Cabernet. It was John Middleton's dream to create such a wine and purchased the Mount Mary property in the Yarra Valley in 1971 to persue this dream. Quintet is his dream realised and is a blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

A vibrant pinot noir from master wine-maker Rob Dolan out of the Yarra Valley. Lots of black cherries, plums, aniseed & spice brimming from the glass followed on the palate with savoury, truffle, velvety texture. The wine is dominated by savoury herbal characters with lovely chocolaty raspberry flavours. Will easily cellar for another decade if you can wait that long.

The 864 Close Planted Syrah is a wine of light and shade. The brightness of red and black fruits, with hints of bramble, are layered with stewed rhubarb, licorice, pastry, and a cabinet of spice. This multidimensional syrah boasts a long finish with mouth-coating, pinot-like tannins, and a pleasing moreish quality. The Close Planted block, on Coldstreams’s grey alluvial loam, is east-facing at 120 metres above sea level. The R6VW28 clone is planted at 5,200 plants per hectare, and is farmed to yield 6.3 tonnes per hectare. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted to open top fermenters with 70% of fruit placed over 30% whole bunches. During its three-week fermentation, the wine is regularly pumped over and plunged. At the end of this process, it’s pressed to French oak puncheons to mature for 14 months on gross lees. Representing the pinnacle of winemaking at Oakridge, the 864 range are high-scoring, limited-release, single-block wines that stand out internationally as exceptional varietal examples.

Undoubtedly one of the best value Pinots on the market. Bright cherry aromas on the nose, De Bortolis Windy Peak Pinot Noir is light to medium bodied with a hint of violet and juicy cherries on the palate. High acidity well balanced with subtle dusty oak, which leaves an impressive lingering finish. And outstanding summer drink at a modest price!

Levantine Hill Syrah has lifted complex aromas of dusty red berries, musk, cardamom and white pepper and vanillin oak. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.