The De Bortoli Melba Vineyard’ at Dixons Creek has a rich history of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to the 1970’s. The 'Melba' brand pays tribute to renowned operatic soprano diva, Dame Nellie Melba. 2018 is one of the best vintages of Cabernet we have seen in recent years Warm growing season, even ripening, mild and dry autumn, lots of tannin development. Deep red with purple. Deeply scented notes of blackberry, leaf and cedar wood. Sweet fruited, silky tannins, great depth, smooth and delicious.

From vines yielding less than 1 tonne/acre, 100% whole bunch, natural yeast ferment, 100% new oak. A powerful and structural Pinot Noir by Lethbridge. An unusual presentation of the MV6 clone in the Estate vineyard produces fruit of great density of flavour, and very low yield (0.5 tonnes/acre). This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunch inclusion and had pre-fermentation maceration for 7-10 days. Wild yeast fermentation in small open vats proceeded with daily pigéage. Pressing was straight to barrel (100% new French oak) to allow for gross lees contact and natural MLF.

Yabby Lake's approach to viticulture and winemaking is peerless; lifted red fruits, silky mid-palate with undergrowthy nuances, and extended finish mean a wine with class written all over it.

This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

Aromatically it's extremely floral and spicy, while the palate is medium-to-full-bodied with layers of blackberry, plum, and spice, balanced by fresh acidity. It's just a beautifully poised and delicious, modern Yarra Syrah, and great from the get-go or in the cellar for up to a decade.

A pronounced nose of sour cherries, figs and quince followed by a fresh floral note of violets. On the palate is soft texture with a good tannic structure and great balance between the structural components with a smokey/ charred mouthfeel that adds complexity and suggest great ageing potential. French oak and velvet tannins finish this elegant pinot noir with style. Pair with Peking duck.

Étoile is the ultimate expression of CHANDON: an ambitious passion project that redefines Australian luxury. Twenty-five years ago, winemaking Director Dan Buckle, had a first taste of the great wines of the world he had previously only dreamed of. A new benchmark for Australian sparkling 25 years in the making. The finesse and complexity opening a new vista of what was possible. With Étoile, this dream is realised: a multi-vintage composition based on eight Chandon Vintage Brut reserves, together representing hundreds of base wines and rounded out with extended ageing. It reflects the ceaseless quest of the Chandon community of past and current winemakers to create the most exceptional sparkling wines. It’s a toast to the free thinkers, the pioneers, the stargazers. Étoile considers the wealth of what can be achieved when free of the limitations of singularities. By focusing on the blend, Chandon have crafted a finely tuned cuvée with no rough edges, that shines like a polished gem. Étoile is about balance, length of palate and complexity drawing from the art of blending. Awards: • James Halliday's 2023 Australia's top 20 champagnes & sparkling wines - 97 Points. • 2024 James Halliday Wine Companion: Gold Medal – 97 Points.

Handpicked Wines embodies a culture of organic and sustainable wine growing based on classic wine regions and special vineyard estates, including Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, Marlborough and Tasmania.

Giant Steps is a complex Pinot Noir with terrific varietal character. The nose shows rose petal, dark cherry and tomato leaf aromas and the palate is fleshy but tight, with savoury, dusty notes and silky tannins.

Yabby Lake Pinot Noir has an intense and complex aroma with great depth of character. Bursting with red and dark fruits, the wine is fine and complex with a long, juicy palate. There is excellent persistence on the polished finish.