Gippsland Pinot Noir from Franco dAnna. His sold out 1er Pinot entered Langton's Classification VII last year and his second tier wines sold out in record time. Wickhams Road is his value label that produces what Gary Walsh describes as 'a gift to Pinot Noir drinkers.' This is simply good drinking Pinot. As this is from Gippsland, you can expect a more fruit-forward Pinot. But there is also complexity, a savoury finish and really good acid making it such a drinkable drop. Before we go too far, lets not for a minute compare this wine with the greats of Gippsland. Its simply not one of those wines. Its for drinking and enjoying now.

DCB Wines Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley The entry-level Pinot from Chris Bendle is made to be enjoyed. Details below are for interest only. The fruit for this Pinot (MV6 clone) is sourced from two vineyards one in Kangaroo Ground and the other Woori Yallock. Or as you may know them, the northernmost and southernmost points of the Yarra Valley. Both areas ripen at around the same time but their soil profiles are markedly different. The fruit was treated almost identically from harvest but kept separate. Chilled then destemmed, kept in tank for 48 hours before being pressed onto seasoned oak with around 18 days on skins. The wine was racked then bottled. Pure, simple pleasure.

DE BORTOLI WINES The Estate Vineyard Dixons Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley