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WILLIAM DOWNIE Bull Swamp Pinot Noir, Baw Baw Shire

Our old vines are over 35 years old and produce an exceptionally intense and aromatic wine that reflects the unique character of its terroir. With its deep, clear ruby red hue, it reveals notes of black fruits and excellent strength and concentration. As with all Gevrey-Chambertin, it requires a few years of patience before reaching its full potential. Based in Nuits-St-Georges, the famous Domaine Faiveley was founded in 1825 and in more recent times, the domaine has greatly expanded its vineyards across the entire Côte d'Or. The grapes are entirely destemmed and fermented in a mix of new wooden vats for the top end wines and stainless steel for the lesser cuvees. Once notorious for being fairly austere, there has been less emphasis on extraction over the last ten years and the wines show increased freshness, purity of fruit and more judicious use of oak. A contender for one of the most improved domaines in Burgundy over the last decade.

Produced from one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World the Giant Steps Pinot Noir is complex with terrific varietal character. With a minimalist approach to winemaking this Yarra Valley favourite oozes elegance and drinkability. Giant Steps is an independent winery in Healesville, Victoria, owned by Phil Sexton. Phil first made his name in establishing some noted micro-breweries, such as Little Creatures, and later established Devils Lair in Margaret River. First released in 2001, Giant Steps focuses exclusively on the distinctive expression of single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Grapes are drawn from estate and leased vineyards, as well as a selection of long-term contracted vineyards. Giant Steps wines are produced fastidiously in the vineyard and vinified with minimal intervention so that each is a faithful expression of site, vintage and culture. Giant Steps focuses on restrained Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and cool climate Cabernet/Merlot blends. These single vineyard wines are sourced from five different vineyards throughout the Yarra, so each is a fingerprint of location and site personality. The name Giant Steps comes in part from Phils love for jazz and John Coltranes album of that same name, and in part due the Giant Step Phil took in relocating with his family from Margaret River to the Yarra Valley. Giant Steps wines are always exclusively single vineyard Yarra Valley wines. They are hand made in small batches using gravity flow principles. Production of the Giant Steps wines is very limited with some vineyards producing as little as 200 cases each vintage some wines are not produced each year if vintage conditions do not allow. These wines are often hard to find in retail outlets as they are mainly sold through the cellar door and through selected restaurants.

Originating from a unique vineyard site anchored in black volcanic soil, Farrside Pinot Noir is one of Australias finest singe vineyard wines, displaying great structure, tannin backbone and layered complexity. The wine is distinguished by its savoury mineral edge, firm backbone of fine tannin and more resolute, masculine structure. Situated on a north east facing slope, the vine rows of the Farrside vineyard are planted in an east-west orientation providing additional protection from intense summer sunlight.

VALLI Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Very bright colour; monolithic in proportion with more of everything, handled with great control; dark plum, bright cherry, allspice, game and charry oak intermingle for a heady mix of aromas; the palate relays this conviction with real depth and power on entry, and lightness returns as the flavours cascade from start to finish; needs much time, but will richly reward patience.

Fragrant and finely structured the Yabby Lake Block 2 Pinot Noir shows enticing floral spice perfume and seductive silky texture. The fruit is handpicked, meticulously sorted and gently de-stemmed into small open fermenters. A small portion of whole bunches is included in the ferment. Maturation takes place in large French oak puncheons for 12 months.