All fruit is hand-picked early in the morning and immediately de-stemmed but not crushed. Some batches are left to cold soak for 4-5 days, while others are fermented immediately. Both natural and cultured yeasts are used. Both pumping over and punching down are used for cap management. Some ferments undergo post-ferment maceration depending on tannin structure and style. Wine lovers have a lot to thank (Hoddles Creek winemaker) Franco dAnna for... He crafts his affordable range with the same care and attention as his premium wines, meaning that even when watching ones pennies one can still drink top class wine. Toni Paterson MW of The Real Review After fermentation the wine is gently pressed to oak barrels, 30% new, 30% one year old, the rest two and three years old. After 11 months of barrel maturation, the wine is assembled and bottled without filtration or fining. Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir typically shows aromas and flavours of red berries and dark cherry. Ripe, firm mid-palate tannins give structure and lead into a long, attractive finish with pleasing acidity.

Once again this producer provides us with a handy little number showing plenty of varietal and regional characteristics. Sticks Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley, features lovely red cherry flavours with playfull spices and charry oak influence. Lean with subtle tannins and medium finish.

Produced from one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World the Giant Steps Pinot Noir is complex with terrific varietal character. With a minimalist approach to winemaking this Yarra Valley favourite oozes elegance and drinkability. Giant Steps is an independent winery in Healesville, Victoria, owned by Phil Sexton. Phil first made his name in establishing some noted micro-breweries, such as Little Creatures, and later established Devils Lair in Margaret River. First released in 2001, Giant Steps focuses exclusively on the distinctive expression of single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Grapes are drawn from estate and leased vineyards, as well as a selection of long-term contracted vineyards. Giant Steps wines are produced fastidiously in the vineyard and vinified with minimal intervention so that each is a faithful expression of site, vintage and culture. Giant Steps focuses on restrained Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and cool climate Cabernet/Merlot blends. These single vineyard wines are sourced from five different vineyards throughout the Yarra, so each is a fingerprint of location and site personality. The name Giant Steps comes in part from Phils love for jazz and John Coltranes album of that same name, and in part due the Giant Step Phil took in relocating with his family from Margaret River to the Yarra Valley. Giant Steps wines are always exclusively single vineyard Yarra Valley wines. They are hand made in small batches using gravity flow principles. Production of the Giant Steps wines is very limited with some vineyards producing as little as 200 cases each vintage some wines are not produced each year if vintage conditions do not allow. These wines are often hard to find in retail outlets as they are mainly sold through the cellar door and through selected restaurants.

This specially selected parcel expresses the very best of the region and has been sourced from Single Vineyards. With aromas of red berries and violet complemented by smooth tannins, this elegantly refined wine lingers on the palate for a soft finish.

This is a typical cool climate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir with aromas of cherries and summer berries and hints of spice and oak. The palate is bright with red fruits and soft tannin. This is a versatile wine that will match well with many foods; try it with a charcuterie platter, pizza/pasta and porcini mushrooms or barbecued meats.

An array of blood orange, tangelo, strawberry and wild flowers here with pot pourri-like nuances that pervade the dried cherry and spiced red plum fruits. The palate has a very succulent and lithe, juicy edge that emits freshness and crunchy appeal. Very bright finish, drink now.

A beautiful Pinot with a bouquet of juicy plum fruits, berries and spice with very gentle notes of dried thyme.

OAKRIDGE WINES 864 Aqueduct Block Henk Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

Andrew Marks seeks to express the character of each of his unique vineyard sites. All of the wines are single vineyard expressions. This is a single vineyard Pinot from Yellingbo, at the Southern end of the Yarra Valley. Cane pruned MV6 clone on volcanic red soil with Nth Eastern aspect at 200m elevation. Large format oak. 30% new Damy Alliers French oak for 11 months on lees.