Tricia Byrnes and Kevin Bell from Hurley first planted vines at their Balnarring property in 1998 with the sole intention of creating three single vineyard pinot noirs. Their philosophy centres around respect of the environment as they see their most important role is viticulture. Briary flavours of raspberries, red and black currents and sage oscillate in the mouth, expressing the pure truth of this vineyard in this vintage. Well structured, generous and creamy. Judicious oak. Very layered with drying tannins giving way to a commanding finish of flaring red fruits and energetic acidity. In a word, complex.

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.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Close Planted Block Shiraz, Yarra Valley

The combination of Cabernet and Malbec gives this wine the traditional Cabernet notes, but loaded with blue fruits (blueberryies, plums). Elegant and restrained, with a soft lingering finish.

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.

Spicy cool climate Shiraz is fermented with whole bunches of a small portion of the white Viognier grape to produce this elegant style. Attractive floral notes of white flowers and peach blossom are enhanced by French oak and Rhone-like pepper and spice on the palate. Time in our cellaring programme has buffed the 2014 wine to a very smooth finish.

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.

Simply named from our address at Coldstream, the 864 range is a showcase of highly detailed micro-selections from the most exceptional single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Sourced from the Henk Vineyard, Aqueduct Block. Planted in the red volcanic soils of Woori Yallock in 2008 using the MV6 clone. Immediately, very expressive and aromatic. Mixed red fruits - pomegranate, red cherry, raspberry and cranberry infused with notes of mineral and flint. Then there’s an underlying spectrum of brown spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and bergamot plus herbal flecks of sage and thyme derived from whole bunch fermentation. These flavours cascade over the palate which is richly textured and satiny-soft adding a sense of dimension and depth as it evolves and changes with air. At once, this is bright, fresh, savoury and complex. Deceptively powerful yet totally finessed.