Ample and dark fruited, with a smoky, savoury feel. Plenty of spice amid the berry fruits, with lovely earthy and graphite notes running through. Predominantly from Garagiste's Balnarring, Tuerong and Merricks vineyards, with a small proportion of Red Hill fruit. The grapes were sorted then destemmed--a small percentage of the Merricks portion was fermented with a 100% whole bunches--and fermented in small open fermenters using indigenous yeast, minimal hand plunging and spending 25 days on skins. The wine was aged for ten months in 10% new hogsheads with the balance being raised in older hogsheads. Unfined and unfiltered. Barnaby Flanders created the Garagiste label following his amicable split with Allies co-founder David Chapman (who continues with the Allies label). Barney now focuses on a snug range of small-batch wines from fruit sourced from the highly prized Merricks Grove vineyard, the Silverwood vineyard (Balnarring), and the Hugh Robinson vineyard in Moorooduc. Garagiste, the main label, is ably supported by delicious entry-level wines under the Le Stagiaire banner. Barnaby and Cam (Marshall) manage all aspects of the viticulture and winemaking themselves and a range of succulent, finely tuned and elegantly crafted cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is what results.

Classic cool climate Bordeaux blend exhibiting precise definition of fruit flavors, tannin backbone and the complexity of a Bordeaux blend of four grape varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Petit Verdot (26%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Merlot (10%). 24 months in French and Russian Oak.Hand crafted in small batches from grapes grown using sustainable practices with no pesticides or herbicides.Blackcurrant, dark cherry nose with hints of cigar box, tea leaf and mint adding complexity. The palate is medium bodied with richness and intensity supported by finely cut, soft integrated tannins. Allinda Cabernets will continue to improve with careful cellar maturation in the bottle for 10 to 15 years.

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!

Enjoy a savoury-style Yarra Valley Pinot from the Hirsch family estate, with scores of 91, 92 & 93pts. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit finds it: "“Beautifully fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows ripe cherry, thyme, game, and nutmeg aromas, followed by a juicy palate offering fine texture backed by polished tannins, finishing long and pleasingly dry. 93pts” Ken Gargett, WinePilot enjoys its: "Attractive fragrances, but it is obvious we have taken the savoury road here. Dry herbs, mushrooms, forest floor notes, cherries, animal skins and beef stock hints are all present. There is juicy acidity, sleek tannins and medium length with the intensity maintained throughout. Those who appreciate the savouriness of Pinot will love this." Hirsch Hill estate is part of the Hirsch Wine Group, established in 1998, by the Hirsch family who recognised the incredible potential of their cool-climate estate, and sought to transform it into a benchmark for premium, estate-grown wines that balance character, craftsmanship, and value.

Chandon, a benchmark of quality in the wine industry, has produced this beautifully structured Sparkling Rosé. Fresh strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Medium body, hint of yeast in the background accompanied by a complex bouquet of rose petals and wild white flowers with a clean crisp finish.

Established in 1995, Toolangi Vineyard is in the Yarra Valley adjoining the Toolangi State Forest. This single-site vineyard on fine clay loam produces wines with distinctive personalities, each wine showing a strong sense of place. The vines were cropped low, and the fruit was hand-harvested from 20-year-old vines of MV6 Pinot Noir clone. The fruit was destemmed as whole berries, with 5% left as whole bunches. There was a short cold soak prior to fermentation and the wine was then left on skins for 14 days. It was then pressed to French oak (5% new) for malolactic conversion and left on lees in oak for 10 months. “Light but satisfying. Delicious spice notes, sweet and roasted, with the tang of red cherry and cranberry flavours. It has both quality and complexity written all over it but, responsibly, it’s also the kind of pinot you just want to guzzle. It has that out-and-out drinkability. Firm-ish tannin keeps things controlled and it finishes long enough to satisfy.” 92 Points, Campbell Mattinson

Made by 5-star Halliday Winery Oakridge these Over the Shoulder wines offer excellent value for money. Dry, textural and crunchy with pristine pear flavours, this is a refreshing alternative to NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

Founded by James Halliday, Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills winery has a reputation for producing quality wine. If you are new to Pinot Noir or a veteran of this style, you will love this new wine. An excellent drop from a famous Aussie winemaker at Coldstream Hills, custodians of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Fantastic texture, elegance and length.

Hand plunged in open fermenters, 30% whole bunch. 10 months maturation in 20% new French barriques, 80% seasoned French barriques. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.Ripe red cherries, some nutmeg spice. Aromatics lifted by subtle whole bunch fermentation plushness. Rich, structured palate.