Planted in 2007, this 0.8-hectare vineyard is littered with volcanic rocks (hence the name) and lies on the plateau above the De La Terre slope—essentially making it a westerly extension of the Serré vineyard. It was originally planted with various clonal cuttings from Best’s and Tahbilk on a mix of rootstock and own roots. Holmes only uses the Best’s clone in this bottling today and the rest of the site has been grafted over to Chardonnay, giving Bannockburn a close-planted Chardonnay block, named Grigsby after Bannockburn’s long-standing vineyard manager. The fruit was fully destemmed in 2011, wild fermented with indigenous yeast and then spent 12 months in 1/3 new French puncheons and a second year in 5 year old barriques.

The Thousand Candles Gathering Field Pinot Shiraz 2022 is a remarkable blend of two varietals, grown in the picturesque Yarra Valley of Victoria. The deep ruby hue of the wine is alluring, hinting at the complex layers of aromas and flavors that await. On the nose, notes of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackberries entwine with subtle hints of spice and earthiness. On the palate, the wine reveals a beautiful balance between the rich, juicy fruit flavors and the elegant tannins, giving a velvety smooth mouthfeel. As the wine lingers, delicate hints of oak and a touch of acidity bring a lively freshness to the finish. This 2022 vintage is a testament to the skill and dedication of Thousand Candles, showcasing the best of Yarra Valley in every sip. Truly a wine to savor and enjoy.

6ft6 Shiraz is a rich, succulent and savoury style of Shiraz. More about finesse and complextity than potency, this red reflects the Moorabool Valley's ability to produce a more refined style than most warmer regions. Unless you have more will power than most, enjoy this Geelong red while young and fresh.

Levantine Hill Syrah has lifted complex aromas of dusty red berries, musk, cardamom and white pepper and vanillin oak. The elegant medium-bodied palate abounds with spice and earthy nuances in a concentration of savouriness. The silky ripe tannins have been deftly integrated with the underlying oak providing carriage for the fruit weight and lingering flavours to a pronounced and persistent finish.

Bannockburn is spicy with well intergraded savoury oak and great acidity backbone. The varietal flavours such as, raspberries, strawberries and red cherries fruits lingers with a faint hint of forest floor on the palate with well supporting tannins. A greatly composed wine, this is undoubtedly pushing the setting of this country's benchmark for Pinot Noir to another level.