Ten Minutes By Tractor was the result of a the coming together of a series of journeys that began about 30 years ago. Centred around 3 vineyards that are approximately 10 minutes by tractor apart, the winery is now synonymous with terroir driven wines perfectly suited to Mornington Peninsula. Their estate Chardonnay is a wonderful modern interpretation of the variety with layers of complexity and fruit weight balanced by the ever present acid line that runs through the core of this fantastic wine.

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.

Of all the premium white wines we sampled last year; it was the Soumah Hexham Chardonnay that rose to the top. This top class Yarra Valley Chardonnay features the perfect amount of oak and a moreish creaminess. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, Soumah Hexham Chardonnay is brilliant now but patience will be rewarded if cellared up to 5 years if you can keep your hands off it that long. One of the real movers and shakers of the industry in recent times, Soumah is without a doubt one to keep a very close eye on. This is a super complex and extremely alluring example. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, outstanding fruit quality works hand in hand with barrel derived complexities. This complexity around a mid to full bodied core lends its self just perfectly to seafood with the traditional butter sauce accompaniment.

This unfiltered Chardonnay was made at Giaconda by Rick Kinzbrunner using traditional techniques. Quite sublime buttery richness with perfect balance of acid and oak integration.

Savoury, woody spice adds greater interest to become quite intense in its cherry skin and stone flavours, with intriguing white mushroom and pepper notes in the finish.

This Sparkling rose by Jansz is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier. Intense aromas of Turkish Delights, rosewater and strawberries fill the nose, while the mouth comes alive with luscious layers of Pinot truffles and the creaminess of bright rose and strawberry fruits.

Made by Ed Carr arguably the best sparkling wine maker in Australia. The Arras Brut Elite is another success story for the House of Arras with its amazingly clean and elegant flavours and textures. This is a wine that express sheer quality.

A beautifully orchestrated sparkling, this bright, salmon-pink wine has a fine bead and aromas of honeyed red fruits with some delicate toasty notes too. The palate is bright and flavoursome, with strawberry biscuit flavours, cleansing acidity and a clean, zesty finish.

With over 200 years of history in every bottle, its no wonder Charles de Cazanoves Head Winemaker, Christophe Rapeneau, was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge 2017. We think its great value from one of the largest family owned champagne producers in the world. A nose containing confectionery notes (brioche, cocoa beans, vanilla) with strong hints of pink grapefruit. Superb freshness on the palate, delicious and structured with notes of toasted oak.