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.

This is a vibrant, top-class Pinot with layers of spice and earth and a full, silky palate balanced by chalky tannin and a snappy, mineral-flecked finish. Don’t be afraid to decant and serve this in a big Burgundy glass—it’s an impressive wine that will evolve with air and time.

Yarra Yering is not only a Victorian icon, but a true Australian wine treasure. The Underhill Shiraz is sourced exclusively from the 1974 planted block of Shiraz at the western-most extremity of the vineyard. Drawn from soils with a higher clay base which has resulted in a wine of a more masculine bent offering darker fruits and spice with chewier tannins and a savoury undertone.

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.

This vineyard is typically a warm site, but the cooler 2021 vintage has given the wine a lifted, ethereal perfume more characteristic of the “Up Hill” sites. On the palate too, it is red rather than black cherry, with lively fruit, delicate acid and fine lingering tannins which give the wine great persistence.

The vineyard has great capacity to create aromatic wines with high natural acidity.This style shows plum skin, blueberry & morello cherry that weaves into a long savoury finish.

Red fruits, vibrant freshness and powder-fine tannins combine for a wine of regional character in a classical style.

As well as having established herself firmly in Burgundy, having been named Winemaker of the Year by Frances top wine magazine, Jane Eyre also makes small parcels of top-sited pinots here in Australia. The emphasis is always on fragrance and elegance in these excellent wines.