Giant Steps Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir
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.
Barwon Ridge Pinot Noir
A bright, fresh and delicate cool climate Pinot Noir. Whole bunches and a wild yeast ferment were used to produce lingering savoury flavours in the wine.
Riverstone Yarra Valley Estate Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir - A medium bodied wine, the boquet has a soft strawberry and cherry characters that linger to a toasty oak finish.
Punt Road Shiraz
One of the Yarra Valley's up and comers, the Punt Road Shiraz is almost black in colour with aromas of cassis and a whiff of licquorice. A palate of plush plums and blackcurrant follows with flash of peppery spice. Kate Goodman continues to do a stellar job at one of the Yarra Valley's best wineries.
Pacha Mama Pinot Noir
This wine is made with Pinot Noir fruit grown on some spectacular vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley, comprising predominantly MV6 clone, with some 114 and 115. Pacha Mama use minimal additives or fining and aim to let the fruit shine through rather than clobbering all over it with heavy oak use or commercial wine-making techniques. Flavours of sour cherry and wild strawberries carry on to the palate complexed by a savoury spice and intriguing earthiness that lingers long after the last mouthful.
Thousand Candles Yarra Valley
William Downie and the Thousand Candles team are keen to expand our understanding of premium wine from the Yarra Valley. A shy complexity; a layered sense of tone and colour, and a nervous acceleration as the wine slips seamlessly from beginning to end. A wine that tells the story of its place more so than its varietals. A wine that pushes the boundaries, from one of Australia's most innovative and skilled wine makers.
Lethbridge Ménage a Noir Pinot Noir
Lethbridge Ménage a Noir Pinot Noir is made from a low yielding vineyard in Bannockburn near Geelong in Victoria. The result is distinctly Geelong in character - intense spicy and cherry nose with a silky mid-palate and a strong lingering finish.
Riorret Lusatia Park Pinot Noir
In the glass: Vibrant mid-red. On the nose: Sweet cherry and raspberry fruit with notes of stalk and spice - so beautifully perfumed. On the palate: Vibrant and fresh, supple and juicy with ripe cherry and plum varietals, subtle stalky complexity, warm earthy notes, nicely integrted vanillin oak and savoury persistence. A complete wine - powerful yet refined, complex and layered with full Pinot Noir charm on show.
Wedgetail Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
This Yarra Valley estate grown Pinot enjoys the complexity of six different clones of Pinot Noir originating from Europe, America and Australia. A selection of the best barrels, were put to one side to blend a complex and fulfilling wine. The perfume of spices and black cherries with earthy characters jump from the glass. The palate is voluptuous, and light as it should be, the fresh acidity of the grapes creates a vibrant fruitiness on the finish.