"Seems more open and approachable at this stage than its Syme Vineyard stable mate, although it's still a baby of course. Aromas of lifted ripe cherry with touches of whole-bunch character and lightly smoky oak. A supple and textural palate with fresh but refined red-berry flavours and gentle tannin/acidity."
94 points, Wine Companion (March 2019)
"Light, pretty, spicy and a little smoky, red cherry and strawberry. Fine tannin, crisp, sweet red fruit and smoky spices. Solid finish. Attractive and enjoyable."
91 points, The Wine Front (April 2020)
"Pale red colour - translucent - bright at the same time. Red licorice, stewed rhubarb, wild strawberries, all framed by spicy oak and bunch-spice. Soft and balanced when sipped. A delicious pinot with lovely flesh, length underwritten by lovely red-cherry acidity. A beautiful wine."
95 points, The Real Review (December 2019)
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley was first planted by the Ryrie brothers who explored a way through the Snowy Mountains to the Yarra Valley, planting grapes in 1838 just three years after the foundation of Melbourne. A wine industry (developed by Swiss Settlers particularly Hubert de Castella and Baron Guillaume de Pury in the 1850s) thrived during the gold rush era and heyday of the 19th century. However, the end of the gold rush brought the wine industry into decline and it was not until the 1970’s that the modern wine industry started up again. The region is probably Australia’s best-known cool-climate area, yet it is really a patchwork of meso-climates. This varied topography creates an incredible set of variables. Vineyards are planted on elevations of 50 to 400m on varying aspects and management programmes. The more exposed sites are subject to severe spring frosts and winds. Overall, the area experiences a relatively high rainfall pattern and is known for its temperature extremes during ripening. Site selection is crucial, with the best vineyards often located where the original vines were once planted, generally on sandy clay loams and gravels. The Yarra Valley is well known for high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Blends with Shiraz increasingly garnering attention. Sparkling wine production is also extremely important, with many of Australia’s finest examples produced in the region.
