Yarra Valley
Yarra valley
Part of the Port Philip zone which surrounds Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is located an hour outside Melbourne and is one of the most important fine wine growing regions in Australia. The Yarra Valley’s viticultural history extends back to 1838 when the Ryrie Brothers planted the first vineyards at what is now Yering Station, with the first vintage produced in 1845 by the legendary James Dardel. In 1863 Hubert de Castella established St Huberts Vineyards and Guillaume de Pury established Yeringberg, bringing the total area under vine to 430 acres. This trend continued with the establishment of Yeringa with David Mitchell planting vineyards at Stringybark Creek increasing the area under vine to 1000 acres. This period of growth was followed by a series of poor vintages and tough economic conditions which saw vineyard production completely cease by 1937.
The Yarra Valley’s modern renaissance began when Reg Egan planted Wantirna Estate in 1963 and was followed in the late 1960s and early 1970s by Mount Mary, Yeringberg, Yarra Yering, St Huberts, Seville Estate, Yarra Burn, Chateaux Yeringa (now de Bortoli) and others, From the this period through to the late 1990’s investment and expansion continued, with the majority of wineries small, quality conscious, boutique producers of top quality wine which fetched appropriate prices. The latter period of the 1990’s saw large scale corporate investment, with Moet & Chandon establishing Domaine Chandon alongside acquisitions by Mildara Blass, McWilliams, Hardys and others.
The Yarra Valley is a diverse and cool climate region with a lower average growing temperature than both Bordeaux and Burgundy, the principle white variety is Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while the red varieties that the region is renowned for are Cabernet Sauvignon (with associated Bordeaux varieties of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) which helped put the Yarra Valley on the map followed by Pinot Noir which arrived en masse in the 1980s and followed more recently by Shiraz (which is sometimes blended with Viognier). Both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also cultivated as sparkling base. Interestingly, vineyards planted in the cool, upper Yarra Valley for the production of sparkling wine are now being used for table wines. Whether it’s global warming or just that recent vintages have been warmer, there is little doubt that the Upper Yarra including places such as Hoddles Creek and other sub-districts such as Woori Yallock have really come into their own over the last 5-10 years.
Chardonnay styles vary across winemakers and site, with a distinctive aromatic profile of melon and fig in warmer sites and white peach and grapefruit from cooler vineyards. Both styles are characterised by good acidity. Outstanding producers include Oakridge, Toolangi, Coldstream Hills, de Bortoli, Giant Steps, Mac Forbes and Hoddles Creek. The Yarra Valley is one of the first Australian regions to establish Pinot Noir of high regard, with notes of plum, cherry and strawberry and a characteristic underlying sappy acidity and fine soft tannins. Outstanding producers include de Bortoli, Coldstream Hills, Giant Steps and Mount Mary and Wedgetail. Yarra Valley Cabernet is almost always blended with traditional Bordeaux varieties and is characterised as a medium bodied wine, elegant, with notes of cassis, hay, tobacco leaf, fine silky tannins and remarkable longevity. Outstanding producers include Mount Mary, Yarra Yarra, Yeringberg, Wantirna Estate. Shiraz is less prevalent in the Yarra Valley and highly dependent on vineyard location favouring warmer growing conditions. Increasingly producers are following the Northern Rhone Cote Rotie blend by adding small quantities of Viognier for added colour and aromatic lift. Classic Yarra Valley Shiraz is almost always of a cool climate style with notes of pepper, black cherry and spice with fine silky tannins. Outstanding producers include Yering Station, de Bortoli, Jamsheed, Yarra Yarra and recently Serrat.
Sources:
The Oxford Companion to Wine, (ed) Jancis Robinson
James Hallidays Wine Atlas of Australian, James Halliday
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Hargreaves Hill ESB 330ml
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
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Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin (700ml)
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin is crafted to deliver the best of all worlds: a perfect, classic gin and also something that would fascinate and delight even the most hardened gin fanatic. It’s spicy but with great citrus, a truly modern Australian gin.
Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin captures the essence of contemporary Australia’s heritage in Europe and Asia. We’re using whole oranges which is unusual but Australian citrus is highly aromatic and supports the spicier botanicals like cardamom.
The cinnamon and star anise add rich fruitcake tones, the Tasmanian pepperberry leaf provides warmth rather than heat, and the lemon myrtle is a beautiful alternative to lemon peel.
Our Rare Dry Gin has been awarded medals at a number of prestigious international competitions: Double Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2014 and 2016, Silver in the London International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014, and Gold at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014. fourpillarsgin.com.au
GinAustralia506$89.00 -
Handpicked Highbow Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013This wine is from a single high-performing block that has had a number of excellent vintages over the past 15 years. It is a monoclonal wine of G9V3 Cabernet Sauvignon, an unfashionable clone in some circles, but in this vineyard, on this hill, a stunning example of the variety. The fruit was hand harvest in late-March and yields were low but of excellent concentration and character. The must was fermented in static red fermenters and the wine was aged in French oak barriques, 40 per cent new, for 15 months.
This is a superbly elegant Cabernet wine. This special wine, our very first Highbow Hill Cabernet, has superb perfume and purity of fruit. It is an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that will age well over 20 years, but is ready for theenthusiast now. GARY BALDWIN2013Cabernet SauvignonAustralia506$120.00 As low as $108.00 -
Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin (700ml)
This gin was originally the result of a conversation between Cameron (our distiller) and Jason (then Group Bars Manager at Keystone, and one of the World’s Top Ten Bartenders) back in 2014 - they wanted to create a gin specifically for the Negroni. Something to cut through the Campari and vermouth. And as the Negroni has always been a favourite at Four Pillars, Cameron jumped at the chance to make the first collaboration in our Bartender Series a tribute to the very definition of a perfectly balanced cocktail.
Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin is a highly aromatic, rich and (yes) spicy gin with great power and intensity. First, we took our base botanicals and upped the amount of Tasmanian pepperberry leaf and cinnamon. Then we added an exotic West African spice called Grains of Paradise. This is one of the most unusual spices in the world, with clove and sichuan characters. But although very powerful, the spice tends to glow rather than become hot.
We also decided to use beautiful organic blood oranges in the botanical basket, as well as some ginger. These wonderfully fragrant fresh botanicals help lift the spice to another level. Finally, we opened up the plates to add weight and intensity to the gin. fourpillarsgin.com.au
GinAustralia506$100.00 -
Oakridge LVS Willow Lake Chardonnay 2018 375ml
Winemaker and CEO David Bicknell has proved his worth time and again as an extremely talented winemaker. JAMES HALLIDAY
What is there to say about this superb Yarra Valley winery. Headed up by Dave Bicknell it feels like they can do no wrong. Everything they make from top to bottom is deftly put together and sourced from the Yarra's best vineyards. The quality is always outstanding and the LVS (local vineyard series) is some of the best value Pinot and Chardonnay around. PWS
I’ve probably said it before, and anyone who knows me knows I’m prone to repeating myself, but what a lovely evocative name it is for a vineyard.It doesn’t need any styling products; there’s not a hair out of place here. White peach and lime, green melon, almond nougat, a whisper of struck match and spice. Smooth and flavoursome, a subtle viscosity interlaid with chalk and flint, some floral mouth-perfume, slight tweak to the finish with citrus rind and grapefruit tang. Right proper Chardonnay here. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front
2018chardonnayAustralia506$25.00 As low as $22.50 -
Patient Wolf Premium Summer Thyme Dry Gin (700ml)
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NVGinAustralia506$105.00 As low as $94.50 -
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Oakridge LVS Barkala Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Held on skins for 4 weeks after fermentation before 18 months maturation in French oak. Bright crimson-purple, it is an elegant cabernet that has flourished in the warm vintage - the Upper Yarra sometimes poses challenges, but not here. The tannins are savoury and fine, adding to the quality of the wine. JAMES HALLIDAY
2018Cabernet SauvignonAustralia506$45.00 As low as $40.50 -
The Wizardry Grenache Rouge 2019
Steve Webber is a man of many talents and passions. One of his is Grenache from upper Heathcote. He loves it so much he has established a brand around promoting the variety in the region. This is the 3rd vintage and of the wines and we are thoroughly convinced, not just because Steve stands behind, but because the wine is that good. The future is bright and so is this wine. PWS
This red delight reflects the name with definitely some magic in its makeup, dark cherry aromatics to start, with ripe but not jammy flavours as you sip in medium to fuller-bodied juicy fruits offsetting a fine, sandy tannin feel. There’s a lot going on for the price – look out for specials and keep an eye on it as the styling unfolds over the next few years. HALLIDAY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 20202019GrenacheAustralia506$20.00 As low as $18.00 -
Valentine Sauvignon Blanc 2020
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2020sauvignon BlancAustralia506$29.00 As low as $26.10 -
Four Pillars Negroni Pack
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$194.00 -
Arquiteka Apple Cider 330ml
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NVciderAustralia506$7.00 As low as $6.30 -
Arquiteka Apple Cider 330ml Four Pack
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NVciderAustralia506$20.00 -
Thousand Candles Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
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2017Pinot noirAustralia506$66.00 As low as $59.40 -
Thousand Candles Field Blend 2017
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2017Field BlendAustralia506$61.00 As low as $54.90 -
Patient Wolf Premium Dry Gin (700ml)
If you haven’t noticed the explosion in the craft gin scene in Australia then you must be living under a rock. As a Gin fanatic that has been pretty exciting for me in the last few years watching this category re-energised. Matt and Dave from Patient wolf are one of the newest kids on the block and they have done a fantastic job with their super locally crafted Patient Wolf gin. Yes - I know its not wine!
With the help of their 230L Muller copper still, custom built in Germany they have made what is one of my favorite Aussie Gins to date - and there are a lot of them! Grapefruity-Citrus opens on the nose that breaks and revels a lovely savoury, earthy bent to this gin that I absolutely love. Orris root and peppry corriander compliment the underlying juniper drive. There is an almost forest floor like edge to the pithy citrus flecked core that just works brilliantly and sets it apart from so many Gins that are making their way on to the scene.
Perfect Gin and tonic gin with a slice of ruby grapefruit or try it as a Gin buck with lime, mint and dry ginger. Yum!
GinAustralia506$100.00 -
Hargreaves Hill ESB 330ml 6-Pack
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
NVbeerAustralia506$19.50 -
Hargreaves Hill ESB 330ml Four Pack
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NVbeerAustralia506$13.00 -
Hargreaves Hill ESB 330ml 16 Pack
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
NVbeerAustralia506$50.00 -
Riorret Lusatia Park Vineyard Chardonnay 2017Lusatia Park is in the Upper Yarra, and the cooler climate - coupled with the modest alcohol - led to the decision to take the wine through mlf. It certainly hasn't stripped the elegance or fresh, juicy/limey acidity of this lovely chardonnay. The Yarra Valley length of flavour is on full display, oak (obviously) simply a means to an end. JAMES HALLIDAY, winecompanion.com
2017chardonnayAustralia506 -
Wheeler Sauvignon Blanc 2019
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2020sauvignon BlancAustralia506$28.00 As low as $25.20 -
Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin 700ml
After experimenting with some exclusive batches of a high-proof gin for the Gin Palace we decided to add fresh 'Judy's Everbearing’ native finger limes, alongside our beautiful organic oranges, for its first release in 2014. This fresh citrus goes into the botanical basket, with some fresh ginger, giving our Navy Strength Gin its signature power and intensity.
The finger limes highlight the Asian spices like coriander and star anise, and are complemented by the fresh ginger. Then the turmeric adds a fresh but earthy quality, not unlike dill, and weight to the palate.
The resulting gin has lifted aromatics of lime curd, pine needles, and fragrant spices with a vanilla character which pulls the spices together. The palate is intense - sweet and juicy - but it is still very clean.
And we're very pleased to announce that our Navy Strength Gin has been twice been awarded Master status at the Global Gin Masters (in 2015 and 2016), and Gold at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2014. fourpillarsgin.com.au
NVGinAustralia506$120.00 -
De Bortoli Lusatia Chardonnay 2018A bit like a Ferrari 812 Superfast that can go from zero to 100 in 2.9 seconds, this chardonnay seems to race across the palate, leaving a trail of flavour in its wake. It's pure acidity driving this. Of course there's more in the midst: the citrus, the flint and the smidge of nougatine. A complex, fantastic wine. JANE FAULKNER, winecompanion.com2018chardonnayAustralia506$112.00 As low as $100.80
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Halliday's Top Aussie Chardonnay 6 Pack
More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!
$415.00 Regular Price $510.00 -
Yarra Yering Dry Red No 3 2019This blend of Portuguese varieties has come together seamlessly and offers immediate drinking appeal. Heady with violets and lavender, blackcurrants and Szechuan pepper, blackstrap licorice and Mediterranean herbs, all adding to its youthful beauty. Fine tannins, raspberry-like acidity and complexity raise it way above ordinary. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Halliday Wine Companion2019Blend, TourigaAustralia506$120.00 As low as $108.00
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Wheeler Gamut Red Blend 2021Winemaker Dale Wheeler has been deeply immersed in the Victorian wine industry since 2012, relocating to Melbourne from Brisbane to study Viticulture and Winemaking. For a number of years he worked growing fruit and making wine within the Yarra Valley for Strenua, while also completing a number of vintages for other producers within the region and his experience shows. These are confident wines with lots of immediate appeal.
Gamut 2021 is a thirst-quenching medium-weight juicy red, perfect with a light chill. Made using 100% Upper Yarra Valley fruit, predominantly consisting of Merlot from Yarra Junction - lightly macerated and 40% whole bunch Pinot Noir from Gladysdale. Naturally fermented, with no other additions beyond sulphur prior to bottling. Unfined/unfiltered/vegan.
Plenty of red liquorice, mixed berries, and river rocks on the nose. A touch of soft spice and a savoury bay like note. The palate is crunchy and fresh with a lovely balance of sumptuous fruits and soft but present tannins shaping a delicious moreish finish. Perfect summer red and something you could throw a slight chill on if you were so inclined.
2021Australia506$33.00 As low as $32.00 -
PWS Negroni at HomeThe Negroni has made its way into the hearts and minds of Australians everywhere and Four Pillars has taken it to the next level with their Negroni Spiced Gin. This is the first Negroni specific gin created on the market and is infused with things like cubeb, ginger, grains of paradise, pepper-berry, lemon myrtle and so much more.
For the vermouth a little Cocchi Americano Rosa adds a lighter touch and elegant lift to the already punchy gin base and what else but Campari could go in next to round out this perfect pre-dinner drink!
All packs come with a recipe card. Garnish not included.
$185.00 Regular Price $207.00 -
Tarrawarra Chardonnay MDB 2015This wine is very good. Seldom made, it is a reflection of select, high-performing plots preening in top vintages such as this. The intensity and compelling persistence of flavour careens along a track of pungent mineral and transparent acidity. The fruit, stone fruit all, comes a distant second to the wine's structural pedigree. There is plenty of oak slung across its frame, too. However, it nestles effortlessly into the wine's weight and precision, channelling it toward a long life NED GOODWIN MW, James Halliday's Wine Companion
If the 2012 was a Toorak tractor then this is a Bentley. A stately and sophisticated wine that makes a statement but isn't flashy or overt, rather it relies on the sheer class of its fruit and sophistication of winemaking to say everything that needs to be said. I think, at some stage, the wood was probably quite evident here but now it just provides a very subtle background note of spice and smoke. It's so confident and well executed that it's easy to overlook the inherent power that it, deftly, holds, the intensity of fruit and impressive volume seem to come together with ease and fill your mouth without being overbearing, rather it's quite an enticing character that brings you back for more. Seamless, the overall sense is one of zen like harmony. I only had a small taste, I will be buying some bottles for myself. ROSCOE
2017chardonnayAustralia506$122.00 As low as $109.80 -
Yeringberg Shiraz 2019A lot of complexity and savouriness come out to play this vintage, alongside a wonderful coolness across the palate. Expect dark plums, licorice and menthol, juniper, a dash of pepper and roasted root vegetables. It's fuller- bodied, with a covering of textural tannins and bright acidity. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Wine Companion2018shirazAustralia506$110.00 As low as $99.00
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Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin (700ml)Four Pillar have a thing for yuzu for a while now, and with three limited-edition trial runs under our belts, we're ready to launch the newest member of our core range: a stand-alone, honed and perfected Fresh Yuzu Gin. A bright, aromatic and (yes) fresh dry gin made with locally-grown yuzu and inspired by our adventures making gin with Japanese friends.GinAustralia506$91.00 As low as $81.90
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Yarra Yering Dry Red Number 2 2019 375ml
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2019shirazAustralia506$69.00 As low as $62.10 -
Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz 2019 375ml
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2019shirazAustralia506$70.00 As low as $63.00 -
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Arfion Kenzie Chardonnay 2019
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2019chardonnayAustralia506$49.00 As low as $44.10 -
Hoddles Creek Estate Syberia Chardonnay 2018
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2018chardonnayAustralia506$93.00 As low as $83.70 -
Valentine Lone Star Chardonnay 2020
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2020chardonnayAustralia506$39.00 As low as $35.10 -
Valentine 'Vue on Halcyon' Pinot Noir 2019
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2020Pinot noirAustralia506$39.00 As low as $35.10 -
Valentine Riesling 2021
This comes of two vineyards - Gordon's Vineyard in Dixon's Vue and Halcyon Vineyard in Chirnside park. Handpicked and whole-bunch pressed juice then stainless steel tanks and old French oak puncheons (500Lt). Natural fermentation and matured on gross lees for nine months prior to blending.
Lovely line and lift, clean quartyz kind of minerally and fresh apple, pear, white tree fruit. Great talcy grip on the palate and punch fruit flavours all coalesce to give this a ton of energy and lift on the palate. Dom's time in the Rhingau is apparent here with lovely texture and weight to the pure and saline drive. Wonderful modern Aussie riesling here. What is not to love!?
2020RieslingAustralia506$29.00 As low as $26.10 -
Bloody Hill Villages Coldstream Cabernet 2022
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2022Cabernet SauvignonAustralia506$37.00 As low as $33.30 -
Seville Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2020
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2020chardonnayAustralia506$100.00 As low as $90.00 -
Seville Estate Dr McMahon Yarra Valley Shiraz 2018
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2018shirazAustralia506$190.00 As low as $171.00 -
Oakridge Hazeldene Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021**TROPHY FOR BEST PINOT AT YARRA VALLEY WINE SHOW
**GOLD MEDALIST YARRA VALLEY - AUSTRALIAN PINOT CHALLENGE
Stand out Pinot Noir. Powerfully fruited, crunchy with spice, tannic and the possessor of real presence. Red cherry, woodsmoke and cranberry flavours run juicily throughout but it’s the waves of both tannin and spice that have this ricocheting to all corners. Wow this is impressive. Nutty oak completes a firm, detailed, beautifully fruited picture. 95 Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Tasting wines in flights, alongside their siblings, is a great way to gain context and understanding of a house and its style. In this case, tasting the three Local Vineyard Series Pinot Noirs side by side shows each wine for its identity and personality. In the case of these three, the Willowlake is the detailed and sleek wine, the Henk is the exotic, woodsy, loosely knit wine, and then this: the balance of the three. Borrowing some of the detail from Willowlake and a lot of the woodsy exoticism of the Henk, this 2021 Local Vineyard Series Hazeldene Pinot Noir is flush with a barrage of berry fruit and star anise spice. Really good. ERIN LARKIN, wineadvocate.com2021Pinot noirAustralia506$44.00 As low as $39.60 -
The No.30 MLC - Tasmanian Gin 700mlTim Jones - ex Yalumba - Cascade - Willi Smiths is doing some amazing things in the Huon Valley with a vacuum still at the Australian Flavour Lab. This gin uses a traditional London Dry gin base botanical mis some Geraldton Wax leaf as a native addition. In using a vacuum still with lower distillation temperatures the aromatics on this gin are particularly fine and pure - a great mixing Gin and perfect for a super dry martini.GinAustralia506$110.00 As low as $99.00
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Denton Nebbiolo Rose 2021Younger nebbiolo fruit that was whole-bunch pressed into older wood and fermented wild. A bright, pale, salmon pink. Wild strawberries, subtle charcuterie, orange peel and bay leaf can all be found on the nose of this very sophisticated nebbiolo rosé. Dry, textured and refreshing, with a hint of savoury spice on the long, gently grippy finish. PHILIP RICH, James Halliday2021NebbioloAustralia506$27.00 As low as $24.30
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Giant Steps Sexton Pinot Noir 2021
Vineyard is at the wonderfully-named Gruyere, planted in 1997. North-facing, exposed site.
Cherry pie, sweet and delicious, with earthier/meatier aspects. It’s like drinking sweet roasted lamb, studded with berries and herbs. Blue fruit aspects here, woodsy herbs, sweet acidity through the finish. It’s not simple but it feels like a simple pleasure, if that makes sense; it just has that drink-me-now exuberance. That said the tannin here is beautifully crafted. I’d drink this before the others in the Single Vineyard range though it may well hold for as long as any of them. Up-front pinot deliciousness, with substance, is the message here. CAMPBELL MATTIONSON, The Wine Front
From the Sexton vineyard in Gruyere, planted on the same grey clay as the Applejack vineyard; 50% whole bunches and 50% destemmed. Matured 11 months in French barriques (20% new). Bottled unfined and unfiltered. A dark, deep crimson. A more robust Yarra Valley pinot with its aromas of dark cherries, black plum and a dried-earth character that makes it quite different to the other Giant Step single-vineyard pinots. Sweetly fruited, concentrated and structured on the palate, what this impressive wine doesn't have in finesse, it makes up for in power and grunt. This should still be looking good, 10, if not 15, years from now. PHILIP RICH, James Halliday Wine Companion2021Pinot noirAustralia506$74.00 As low as $66.60 -
LATTA Wild West Red 2022Mataro, Grenache, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, lagrein & Shiraz. All our favourites from Western & Central Victoria. A delicious blend, evolving spectrum of profile, textures & flavour. while still keeping it fresh & super interesting.2022Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Malbec, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, shirazAustralia506$34.00 As low as $30.60
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Yeringberg Shiraz 2013It's a curious release/place this wine is in right now. Perfume is glorious, a true perfume that wafts with sweet fruit, clove and cardamom spice, faint briary notes, light mahogany. The palate however is strict, opposite to the vivacity of the perfume, and though sees good architecture from ribbons of fine tannin, reveals little aside a barely-there succulence of faint berry fruit meshed to lean twiggy oak flavour. The finish is grippy, and a touch coarse, then has a light lemony zing. Time mellows the wine, and there's potential for a wine of beauty in future, but it's in an awkward phase right now. MIKE BENNIE2013shirazAustralia506$125.00 As low as $112.50