This vibrant NZ Pinot shows earthy forest floor notes and dark cherries on the nose. Richly textured on the palate the flavours have elements of wild berries mushroom and chocolate framed by quality French oak.

The Pinot noir vines used for this wine by Yeringberg were planted in 1969, 1970 & 1974. There are two clones the younger vines are MV6 and the older vines are known as the Rutherglen clone. All the fruit is crushed, de-stemmed and inoculated. Fermentation is generally rapid, with temperatures reaching 32°C. Ferments are plunged by hand every 8 hours. It is pressed as soon as the ferment is dry. The wine is matured in hogsheads, about 30% new, for about 18 months, with 2-3 rackings. Not filtered.

Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.

Hailing from northern Italy, the Lubiana family have been winemakers for generations. Since 1990 Stefano has continued his family's legacy in the pristine vineyards of Tasmania. The fruit for this wine comes from some of the best vineyards in Derwent River. Stefano's care and meticulous attention to detail, result in a wine of both power and elegance.

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.

The Wire walker is garnet red in colour. Perfumed and fragrant. This wine displays a generosity of ripe berry fruits complimented by savoury spice. The palate is generous offering sumptuous fruit framed by elegant supple tannins.

Stonier produces one of the most consistent Pinots from the Mornington Peninsula. Attractive plum and cherry flavours are enhanced by some gamey undertones and smoky oak influence. Perfect with duck.

PLACE OF CHANGING WINDS Between Two Mountains Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges

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.