From a 0.4ha patch of vines on the southeastern section of the estate. It's fermented in old oak before going into a 675l ceramic egg for 4 months. It has flavour and texture but more importantly it's retained its acidity well; it feels straight and strict even as it blooms with honeysuckle, mineral and nectarine-like flavour. It's a most attractive wine.

There appears no doubt viognier is French in origin it is said to be a half sibling to syrah (shiraz) and it certainly adds a something extra when a little is blended in with the robust red. In Australia the Yalumba Wine Company has done a great deal of research and work on the variety and has the widest range. The winemaker notes say it’s different in style to most Australian Viognier’s as it’s not as rich with overt dried apricot character. OK I can go along with that but it’s not skinny and dull either, its rather mature in certain ways; reminds me of the ever accommodating older lass that guided me through my callow youth. It’s a wine that can teach a lesson or three (bless her), new tastes, different textures and an experience not to be missed.

This shows a spicy and chocolaty character with an array of ripe red and dark berries, dried herbs and orange jam. Medium-bodied and silky with dusty tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit flavors that lead to a supple, savory finish. Drink now.

One of the better noses in the tasting of 55 Pinots, with lovely red berry fruit. The palate is quite fruity, ripe, and creamy. Really fantastic. Outstanding.

Made in a hearty, tannic and concentrated style, this wine nonetheless captures the variety’s ability to project the environment in which it’s grown, which in this case means sage and freshturned earth. Black fruit, iron and oak dominate but show the ability to integrate over time. Enjoy best from 2029–2034.

Deeply structured and expressive, with brooding blueberry, tarragon, sandalwood and other dusky spice flavors that gather richness and tension toward full-bodied tannins. Drink now through 2030.

A handsome red, refined and well-structured, with tightly focused blueberry and cherry flavors highlighted by licorice and dusky spice accents that finish with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030.

Aromas of white peach, baked lemon and almond skin. Medium-bodied with supple, oily texture. Elegant with pleasantly ripe peachy fruit complemented by lees complexity and a bit of nutty character. Layered. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

This wine has shapeshifted nicely over the years, segueing from a fruit-forward iteration to a more streamlined, taut and spicy expression. Mid weighted, savoury and highly suggestive of the northern Rhône. Aromas of mace, clove, dill pickle, salumi and spiced cherry. Yet there is nothing hard to the tannins or too challenging for those seeking established styles. Juicy and long of flow, this makes for excellent, versatile everyday drinking.

A robust red that retains a sense of grace and structure, this offers expressive raspberry and tart blueberry flavors that mingle with rose petal, dusky spice and stony minerals as it builds richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2029.

The nose of the La Jota is at half mast, showing sweet blackberry and plum, black currant, blueberry, and clove. Full bodied, the structure is a nice combination of precise acid and broad and soft tannin. The longer it’s in the mouth, the more grit and chew that develops (and becomes mouth coating). Red plum and cherry, blackberry, raspberry, violet, tamari, and black tea are all pronounced in the flavor profile. This shows, if barely, primary development and is one to cellar for at least seven or eight years, if not fifteen to twenty if you can wait that long.

Shows a concentrated and mouthwatering mix of pineapple, ruby grapefruit and yuzu fruit flavors, with notes of crunchy Honeycrisp apple, saline and matcha lingering on the finish. Drink now.

Delivers a dense, concentrated laser beam of flavor, with fleshy ripe peach, Bartlett pear and salted Crenshaw melon showing accents of lemon zest. Packs a crisp mineral edge, with hints of spice and oolong tea on the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2027.

This renowned Yarra Valley winery has ventured outside Victoria and into Tasmania. This bottling bears the Giant Steps signature but walks to a distinctly different beat. It’s layered and spicy with brambly red currant, cranberry and blueberry fruit backed by subtle chocolaty oak, white pepper and violets on their stems. There’s heft to the palate, with concentrated fruit, spicy, chiseled tannins and barrel influence. An expressive bottling, well-made with longevity in mind. Drink now–2032.

This has developed a savory nose of olives, smoked meat, white pepper, black fruit and dried herbs. It's silky and flavorful, with a medium body and excellent freshness. Lengthy and tasty finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.

This is the first vintage of Roux Beauté. Complex nose of waxed lemons, dried flowers, beeswax and thyme. Textured and phenolic, with a medium to full body, waxy texture and vibrant acidity. Lots of energy and drive. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap.

The Sexton Vineyard shares a north-facing hillside in Gruyere with Yarra Yering and Coldstream Hills; this will be the site of a new winery and cellar door currently under construction. The vines, now 25 years old, produced a meaty and intense 2021, layering the smoky earth of its tannins with spicy, bright, rose-scented fruit. Structured and lasting, this is a wine to cellar, then to serve with roast duck.

Starts off with a core of Fuji apple and pear flavors, expanding to details of salted caramel, marmalade and orange zest, which show savory details of sesame seed and toasted herb that linger. Vibrant acidity keeps the flavors fresh. Drink now.

Firm and focused, with strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavors that are juicy, fresh and focused, plus details of Earl Grey tea, rose petal and dried herbs on a poised frame. Long finish. Drink now through 2030.

Lip-smacking, featuring a core of fresh white peach, Honeycrisp apple and lemon curd, with notes of salted butter, pickled ginger, toasted herbs and green tea that linger. Drink now through 2028.

Like a brooding teenager, this Pinot has a lot going for it but patience is required. Offers notes of blueberry, stony minerality and forest floor framed by a tannic bite on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2030.

Pulsating with tension and balancing snappy acidity with simmering tannins, this offers lively cherry and strawberry flavors flanked by savory herbs, bittersweet chocolate and spice. Still coming together, but will bloom in time. Best from 2023 through 2030.

The aromas intoxicate, with notes of black tea, herb, peppery spice, cedar and plum. The palate is full feeling, delivering flavor and textural richness while never losing its poise and balance. Coffee notes linger on the finish. More
please!