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In early March, we hand harvested 6 tonnes of Cabernet sauvignon from our cane pruned, lower yielding section of our Cabernet sauvignon. The grapes were destemmed and very gently crushed prior to fermentation. Throughout fermentation, a range of cap management processes was used in order to extract colour and fine tannin. Once alcoholic fermentation was complete, the tanks were filled and allowed to macerate on their skins for 6 weeks. The post fermentation maceration allowed us to build tannin structure in the wine, without adding bitterness or astringency.The wine was placed in French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, followed by ageing for 12 months. At the end of the ageing, individual barrels were selected for the final blend. The wine required no further treatment except bottling.While 2017 was a cooler year, our 2017 Alena Cabernet Sauvignon still displays the classic Yarra Valley characteristics of cassis, violets and chocolate. This is all supported by refined tannins and the sweet spice from the oak. The wine is very young, after bottling in July 2018, and will reward time in the cellar.Such a fine, complex wine requires a fine, complex match with food.

AROMA Red cherry and berry fruits combine with earthy spice- cardamom and white pepper with hints of rose and leafiness- presenting an appealing and varietal aromatic wine. TASTE Bright red and dark cherry fruit flavours combine with leafy and earthy forest flavours. A fresh and vibrant medium weight palate with good acidity and fine and long, elegant tannins. CELLARING 7-10 years in the right cellaring conditions.

Spicy, faintly floral aromas of stone fruit, grapefruit, lime juice and coriander are backed by matchstick-like oak and a hint of mineral. It's round and creamy, smooth and voluptuous, with a gentle, mouthfilling core of flavour and nougat-like complexity finishing with a hint of butter, gentle lemony acids and a faint smokiness. Crushed and pressed with full solids straight to oak (20% new), both primary fermentation and malolactic were natural. Elevage: 8 months on lees in oak before being racked and filtered in preparation for bottling. Hand-picked on 12th March 2018 First established in 1995, Toolangi Vineyards is located in the Yarra Valley adjoining the Toolangi State Forest. This Chardonnay is grown on fine clay loam and produces grapes which represent the unique site. Low cropped and hand harvested from 23 year old vines of I1OV3 clone grapes on D Block rows 35 55. The 2018 harvest will be remembered fondly by winemakers in the Yarra Valley. It was a rare season that gave above average yields and excellent quality fruit. Dry sunny conditions with cool overnight temperatures provided good natural acidity and concentrated wines at lower alcohol levels.

Bannockburn Shiraz is a multi-layered wine showing blackberry, black cherry and spice on the nose which follow through to the palate. Soft tannins and medium length.

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.

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.