Elanto Vineyard, a 10.6-hectare high-density site on the Mornington Peninsula, is managed by acclaimed winemaker Sandro Mosele and his team. With 11,000 vines per hectare—four times the typical density—yields are limited to 300-500g per vine, enhancing concentration and power in the wines. Organic practices, deep soil cultivation, and volcanic basalt soils rich in iron stone encourage site-specific expression, while the vineyard's southeast aspect and cool sea breezes preserve natural acidity and freshness. The five Pinot Noir vineyards—Vertex, Ironstone, Chicory, Kilnside, and Basalt—span 6.7 hectares on the upper slopes with basalt-rich soils. The red volcanic soils transition to shallower, stonier terrain mid-slope, producing lower yields, concentrated flavors, and a distinct tannin profile. Each vineyard was harvested and vinified separately, with chilled, destemmed fruit (3-5% whole bunches) undergoing cold soak and natural fermentation in concrete vats. After 25-30 days on skins, the wine was pressed and aged in a mix of new and older French oak barriques for 11 months before blending and bottling. Very deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Potently alluring aromas of dark cherries, strawberries, violet, dried herbs and subtle anise flood the olfactory senses with earthy rhubarb and spicy cedar notes ensuing. Rich and powerful the seductive palate has a wonderful velvet like feel to it with spicy dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours expanding across the palate like a peacocks tail, carrying with it ample textural volume. Lending further interest are brambly dried herb characters, forest floor and spicy cedar. Silky smooth tannins finishing very long, gorgeously fruited and supple. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Alc. 14%

Ray Nadeson describes Ménage à Noir Pinot Noir as “Lethbridge-lite”; we prefer to think of it as the opening act to this producer’s impressive suite of Pinot Noirs. It’s a blend of sites, but the lion’s share (88%) comes from Jack and Lois Doeven’s cool site in Drumborg (Henty). This low-yielding vineyard with well-established vines was planted in schist soils in the 1980s. The balance of the fruit comes from Geelong. The destemmed fruit ferments in a 3,000-litre wooden fermenter with regular pumpovers. The wine then matures in a mixture of old and new (approximately 10%) French oak of various sizes (225, 300 and 2,500 litres). This is bright, fresh and vibrant with signature Lethbridge energy and raciness balanced nicely by ripe berry fruits, earthy spice and a crunchy, sappy, lasting finish. A real winner.

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 single vineyard, award-winning Levantine Hill Melissas Paddock Syrah, has its own inimitable characteristics of the unique site and inherent signature expression. It features a complex nose, featuring blackberry, liquorice, tar, spice and cherry oak. The resounding sophisticated palate features fine tannins leading to a long finish. There is a delicate nervy balance between savouriness and sweet fruit with an emphasis on balance and length for a resounding echo of flavour.

2014 is the inaugural release of Colleens Paddock Pinot Noir. It features a restrained, brooding and beguiling nose with hints of cranberry, sour cherry, wild raspberry, earth, stalks and charry oak. The aristocratic palate weaves an uncommon melange of toffee fruits, herbal flavours and savoury elements through fine, integrated tannins and delivers an elegant, luscious, velvety mouth feel. It combines lightness with richness and density with great length and persistence of flavour.

JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Santenay 1er Cru Clos de Tavennes , Santenay

DOMAINE MICHELE & PATRICE RION Vielles Vignes, Chambolle-Musigny

Made with fruit grown on 60+ year old vines, the Côte de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes is a light, bright Pinot with aromas of light spice, pot pourri and red berries. Grapes are grown in limestone soil using biodynamic viticulture. The wine is 25-30% whole bunch, fermented with indigenous yeast with minimal added sulphur. As with all Galeyrand wines, this example is certified organic. It is aged in oak barrels, a maximum of 20% new.

Domaine Henri Magnien Gevrey-Chambertin Champerrier A relatively new cuvée, 2013 the first vintage of this wine. Situated close to Chambertin, Clos de Beze and Mazis-Chambertin, this vineyard is planted to old vines and Henri Magnien makes a mere 1200 bottles made. Champerrier has unusually rocky soils for Gevrey-Chambertin and this is evident in the wine with its minerality and elegance in with all that usual tannic structure. '...this is an exciting emerging domaine with which consumers are warmly advised to acquaint themselves'- Wine Advocate Shop Henri Magnien >