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.

Two vineyards were established in the Bendigo sub-region: The Prophets Rock Home Vineyard and, subsequently, the Rocky Point. Both are steep and elevated, and each is distinctive The Home Vineyard with its rare mix of soils, including schist, clay and chalk, and Rocky Point with its stony ground and almost treacherous slopes. Rich ruby in colour, displaying red berry fruit, spice and floral aromas on the nose leading on to an elegant well-structured, mineral driven palate. The rich aromatics are accompanied by silky tannin and well-balanced acidity leading on to a long finish. This wine will reward cellaring over the next 6-10+ years from vintage.

Fresh and Vibrant on the nose with aromas of cherry, raspberry and cranberry, hints of black pepper and vanilla. The palate carries the vibrancy of the nose along with complexities of cherry cola and violets, expressive red fruits, subtle tannin structure and lingering pepper spice.

VALLI Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Thomas Bouley is very much the insiders secret, more famous with his fellow vignerons than with collectors chasing the next 'superstar' seen on social media. That Thomas resists putting his name on the front label of his wines (preferring to keep his father's) is typical of his humble and low key approach. Based in Volnay may also add to his relative anonymity, however we suspect this is changing rapidly as word gets out of just how spectacular his wines are, and of the continual improvement seen since he began working with his father in the early 2000's. Meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and winery are notable here, and key to why Thomas is so highly regarded by his peers. Yields are moderate, and in the cellar whole cluster ferments are used more with his clay rich sites (Pommard Fremiers, Volnay Clos des Chenes), while those with thin white soils (Pommard Rugiens-Hauts, Volnay Caillerets) are largely destemmed. New oak use is minimal, and each wine spend two winters on fine lees before bottling.

Established in 1940 and formerly known as Coche-Bizouard, the Domaine Fabien Coche is dedicated to cultivating the exceptional qualities found in the renowned wines of Burgundy. With a commitment to traditional methods, the Domaine Fabien Coche carefully tends to every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard work to bottling, ensuring the production of wines that are truly exceptional. Fabien Coche, a fourth-generation vigneron, took over the management of his family's prestigious domaine in 2005, following in the footsteps of his well-known relatives. The Coche-Dury family, formerly part of the same estate until 1940 and now overseen by Fabien's cousin Raphael, holds a prominent position among Burgundy's esteemed families. Fabien has become a prominent figure in the wine industry, achieving notable success in the current generation. Showcasing his expertise and passion, Fabien's impressive collection of vineyards covers approximately 11 hectares, encompassing Meursault, Monthelie, Pommard and Auxey-Duresses. Crafted from two parcels aged between 30 to 60 years old, located in Meursault and Pommard, this wine showcases the essence of the region. The grapes are carefully destemmed and during the vinification process, there is no plunging of the cap or remontage. Instead, larger 300-liter barrels are used for aging, allowing the wine to develop without overt oak influence. To preserve the vibrantly fresh fruit, the wine is bottled before the harvest in August. The result is a wine that exudes vibrancy, elegance and charm, surpassing expectations for a basic Bourgogne level. Fabien's meticulous approach to vinification focuses on capturing finesse, fragrance and purity, and he has achieved remarkable success in doing so. Domaine Fabien Coche Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir 2021 displays a captivating ruby colour. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of red berries, such as cherry and raspberry, accompanied by delicate hints of earthiness and spice. The palate is greeted with a medium-bodied wine, showcasing smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity. Ripe red fruit flavors, including cranberry and strawberry, intertwine with subtle notes of herbs and forest floor. The wine culminates in a pleasant and lingering finish, leaving a lasting impression.