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Picked from a block of gris on the Napoleone Vineyard in the Yarra Valley which is nurtured to hang a touch longer, with better tannin maturity than the fruit picked for the Punt Road Pinot Gris. Whole berry and whole bunch ferments are conducted in isolation in one-tonne open pots. They were pressed separately to oak this year, but in the end both went in their entirety into the blend. The bunch ferments developed a very significant funk this year, and it was good to see this in the finished wine. The berry ferments supply musk flavour and fruit sweetness. Its all about the bunch though: Campari, aniseed and kombucha. Unfined and minimally filtered. The perfect companion in Spring or Summer.

Little bit of old school Vs new school Chardonnay here. Chardonnay that tastes like Chardonnay. Nice and textured with generosity while still being fresh. A ripping acid line that brings it all together. This is a Tuesday night in a glass kind of Chardonnay, did someone say Nannas roast chicken?

Troy Payten and Ben Jones are making wines with soul & personality out of the Yarra Valley. They have a tremendous passion for wine, something that can be found in every glass of their wines. Fruit comes from Tarrawarra and is handled with all the classic chardonnay techniques. Oak maturation, malolactic fermentation and long lees contact. The result is a flinty style with notes of toast and whipped cream. Yum!

Sticks Yarra Valley is beautifully situated on a single site in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. The Winery and Cellar Door, which are nestled in to the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges. Sticks Blanc de Blanc 2021 is pale lemon in colour with a persistant, fine bead. Lemon curd, brioche and freshly sliced green apple; on the palate - quince and lightly poached pears with a lovely line of citrus, leading to a cleansing and refreshing finish.

The Estate Vineyard consists of a series of small plots of mature Chardonnay. Citrus florals, mineral, complex, white flowers and stone fruit. Purity of flavour, lovely shape, dry, savoury and delicious.