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.

This classic Yarra Valley Shiraz from Yeringberg is showing those trademark Shiraz characters of cracked black pepper and great fruit weight, there is also some good concentration and a long powdery tannin finish.

TRIMBACH Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling, Ribeauville

Brave Souls is the creation of young winemaker Julia Weirich, in collaboration with Simon Cowham and Corey Ryan of Sons of Eden. German in heritage but gypsy at heart, she has worked all over the world, honing her skills in wineries including Bass Phillip in Australia, Yealands in New Zealand, Le Grappin in Burgundy and Mulderbosch in South Africa. Upon her return to Australia, Julia set upon a plan to make wine for herself. Having known her for some time, Simon & Corey, the well-known dynamic team behind Sons of Eden, stepped in to help Julia realise this great adventure in the Barossa Valley. The name, Brave Souls, is inspired by the story of the famous Admella shipwreck of 1859 and spotlights the remarkable accounts of those characters who risked their lives to help the survivors. Iconic Australian artist Bruce Goold generously agreed to visualise the tales of these Brave Souls for the project’s labels. The Grenache is sourced from two, 90+ year-old vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Both are positioned in the Southern Barossa Valley between Lyndoch and Rowland Flat in the foothills of the Barossa Ranges. Ideally positioned in full sunlight during the day and benefiting from cooling gully winds in the late afternoon, the vineyards consistently produce exceptional fruit, with the 2022 vintage classed as outstanding. The Grenache was handpicked and predominantly destemmed, with 15% of whole bunch contribution. After a brief cold-soak period, the fruit was allowed to warm naturally to start fermentation. Hand plunged daily, helped to manage the temperature exchange and the gentle extraction of the tannins . After 20-days on skins the fermenters were pressed to large seasoned oak barrels for a 12-month maturation. Post maturation the wine was racked to blend, naturally clarified and then bottled. Bright ruby in colour, with a vibrant bouquet of mixed wild berries, red-liquorice spice and a hint of confectionary. The palate displays a fresh vibrancy and richness with seamless supporting tannins, and finishes with excellent balance and length.

The 2021 Don Shiraz benefited from the 2020/2021 growing season's respite from previous hot and dry conditions, with abundant winter rain leading to healthy vineyards and slightly above-average crop sets. Despite a dry summer, early canopy growth sustained the fruit, which developed flavor and ripeness early, allowing for harvest with lower sugar and higher natural acidity. The fruit arrived in perfect condition, and the resulting wines from this vintage are noted for their freshness, depth, and personality, marking 2021 as a standout year. Vinification included a natural soak followed by a week of natural fermentation, with careful extraction methods employed throughout. Post-fermentation, the wine was basket-pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation in oak. The 2021 Don Shiraz opens with a quiet assertiveness, revealing earthy and spicy notes indicative of a cooler harvest. As it unwinds, powerful aromas of red berries, leather, and dark chocolate emerge. The palate is refined and balanced, with assertive tannins, crisp acidity, and restrained opulence. The true depth and complexity of this vintage will unfold over time, promising a remarkable wine experience. Alc. 14.8%

Morris Liqueur Tokay is a distinctive wine from the Rutherglen district, and is highly regarded as one of Australia's unique styles of fortified wine. Made from the Muscadelle grape this wine has a clean scented aroma showing great depth of malty character. The palate is complex, intense and luscious yet still fresh with the toffee character associated with the style.

The Piccadilly Valley welcomed the Croser family back into the Tapanappa Winery with a typical cool weather vintage of exemplary quality. Stone fruit, honeydew and lemon zest, with spicy cedar oak in support. Medium bodied, tangy lemony acidity, almond and spice, firm and flinty finish. Its a wine of structure and coiled up power. Good now, but ideally needs a couple of years in the winerack.

Yalumba continue to produce amazing quality, premium wines for a fraction of the price they could demand. The Menzies is prime example with rich, blackcurrant and cassis fruit with integrated oak that fills the mouth.