Toolangi is a state forest just outside Healesville that was devastated during Black Saturday. The excellent vineyards remain, and continue to produce wines of personality and place. The Chardonnay combines varietal characters of quince and crab apple with some delicious nutty oak nuances. Its great value.

Its fair to say Luke Lambert hasn't looked back since 'relocating' his Syrah to the Tibooburra vineyard. This southwest sloping site lies in the southeastern corner of the Valley, near Gembrook, and might be the coolest microclimate of the Yarra. The site is expertly managed by Greg Kerr, the grower who planted the vineyard in 2001. The soils here are considered very unusual for the Yarra, comprising a seam of black volcanic topsoil over yellow clay with a smattering of granite rock throughout. Furthermore, the quality of the clonal material in Tibooburra supplies Lambert with deeper and darker Syrah fruit that also has more depth and structure. This is what drew him to the site and a good chunk of the reason the Syrah has become a touchstone example of cool-climate Yarra Shiraz.

The team at Oakridge are going from strength to strength these days and they are taking the Over The Shoulder range with them. Dry maraschino cherry and gently gamey yet clean mouthful of delicious Pinot! Really great finishing length for this sort of price!

Sourced from a single vineyard site in the Strathbogie Ranges, ideally suited to growing aromatic and balanced Pinot Gris. The cool nights here allow the fruit to reach optimum ripeness whilst retaining an elegant balance between flavour, alcohol and acidity. This wine by Pacha Mama underwent lees stirring while in barrel, resulting in a buttery richness and complexity that sets the pinot gris style apart from the tighter, more acidic Pinot Grigio. Rich and inviting nose with white musk, fresh quince and honeysuckle. A generous and textural palate, with flavours of crýme brulee, lemon zest and musk, balanced by refreshing acidity and a satisfying, clean finish.

A vibrant pinot noir from master wine-maker Rob Dolan out of the Yarra Valley. Lots of black cherries, plums, aniseed & spice brimming from the glass followed on the palate with savoury, truffle, velvety texture. The wine is dominated by savoury herbal characters with lovely chocolaty raspberry flavours. Will easily cellar for another decade if you can wait that long.

This wine is as bright as a button, it bursts with energy from the rich fruit that as been created in the purest way possible, from vineyard to the bottle. It has great aromatics. The savoury style of the wine is supported with flavours of spices, bright berries and red plums and a touch of new oak. A very quaffable for the price.

Soumah, named for its location 'South of Maroondah Highway', specialise in quality clonal selection. This latest Pinot Grigio is one to get your hands on. Textural, from time on lees, figs and pear show through with a hint of musk. - Bri, Vintage Cellars Little Bourke Street.

Aromas of toasty brioche and delicate citrus subtly emerge from the fine beads. Full and crisp flavours of apples with lengthy creamy structure. Fine and subtle.

Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday and has always produced a benchmark cool-climate Pinot Noir. This beautifully textured wine boasts rich flavours of dark cherries, pepper and foresty notes, with a long and toasty finish.

Oakridge are well known for their white wine styles, especially their Chardonnay, but don't forget the Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that can do so well. Lovely lifted spice; bright and attractive cassis fruit and layers of fine grained tannin will greet the drinker and will be welcomed by any serious Cabernet lover.