2014 is the inaugural release of Colleens Paddock Pinot Noir. It features a restrained, brooding and beguiling nose with hints of cranberry, sour cherry, wild raspberry, earth, stalks and charry oak. The aristocratic palate weaves an uncommon melange of toffee fruits, herbal flavours and savoury elements through fine, integrated tannins and delivers an elegant, luscious, velvety mouth feel. It combines lightness with richness and density with great length and persistence of flavour.

Elanto Vineyard, a 10.6-hectare high-density site on the Mornington Peninsula, is managed by acclaimed winemaker Sandro Mosele and his team. With 11,000 vines per hectare—four times the typical density—yields are limited to 300-500g per vine, enhancing concentration and power in the wines. Organic practices, deep soil cultivation, and volcanic basalt soils rich in iron stone encourage site-specific expression, while the vineyard's southeast aspect and cool sea breezes preserve natural acidity and freshness. The five Pinot Noir vineyards—Vertex, Ironstone, Chicory, Kilnside, and Basalt—span 6.7 hectares on the upper slopes with basalt-rich soils. The red volcanic soils transition to shallower, stonier terrain mid-slope, producing lower yields, concentrated flavors, and a distinct tannin profile. Each vineyard was harvested and vinified separately, with chilled, destemmed fruit (3-5% whole bunches) undergoing cold soak and natural fermentation in concrete vats. After 25-30 days on skins, the wine was pressed and aged in a mix of new and older French oak barriques for 11 months before blending and bottling. Very deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Potently alluring aromas of dark cherries, strawberries, violet, dried herbs and subtle anise flood the olfactory senses with earthy rhubarb and spicy cedar notes ensuing. Rich and powerful the seductive palate has a wonderful velvet like feel to it with spicy dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours expanding across the palate like a peacocks tail, carrying with it ample textural volume. Lending further interest are brambly dried herb characters, forest floor and spicy cedar. Silky smooth tannins finishing very long, gorgeously fruited and supple. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Alc. 14%

This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

A light, very bright crimson. Smells like a rose garden with a little lavender thrown in! You'll also find aromas of sour cherries and blood oranges. Poised, elegant and persistent, this flows mellifluously across the palate

Product Description The 2022 Sylvain Cathiard Hautes Côtes de Nuits Rouge is a remarkable addition to the Domaine's portfolio, showcasing the intricate potential of the Hautes Côtes vineyards. Sourced from a small but carefully selected 2.5-hectare parcel in Villars Fontaine, located at an elevation of 350 meters above Nuits-St-Georges, this wine expresses both the uniqueness of its terroir and the finesse of Cathiard's winemaking approach. The wine presents an inviting dark fruit profile, with a slightly denser colour compared to other Bourgogne wines from the Côte. It's a youthful expression with a plumper raspberry fruit profile, complemented by a subtle dryness from the oak, which will integrate with time. The wine offers great structure, balanced by juicy freshness and fine tannins, making it a perfect early-drinking option while waiting for more complex village wines to mature. With a medium-bodied profile, this wine has a pleasant length, offering a youthful bitterness that will soften with age. This Hautes Côtes cuvée is the ideal introduction to the Domaine’s Pinot Noir style, and with only a limited production of around 7 barrels in a good vintage, it’s an exclusive and limited offering. Maker Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, founded in the 1930s by Sylvain’s grandfather, is a boutique estate that has gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional wines. Based in Vosne-Romanée, the estate spans 5 hectares, with vineyards in prestigious appellations including Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and a coveted plot in Romanée-St-Vivant. Under the meticulous stewardship of Sebastien Cathiard, who took over in 2011, the estate has flourished, with an emphasis on sustainable viticulture, organic principles, and minimal intervention winemaking. Sebastien’s approach to winemaking is hands-off, allowing the natural expression of the terroir to shine through while focusing on elegance, purity, and balance in each wine. The Domaine's reputation has skyrocketed, with wine writer Neal Martin calling it one of the top producers of Vosne-Romanée, earning acclaim from both critics and collectors worldwide. The Domaine's expansion into the Hautes Côtes de Nuits, with new parcels in Villars Fontaine, further enhances the Cathiard legacy. Sebastien has created a purpose-built facility that allows for more room to vinify and age wines, ensuring that this new addition, along with the core vineyard plots, will be available to more consumers, all while maintaining the Cathiard style. Philosophy Sebastien Cathiard’s philosophy centres around producing wines that are harmonious, elegant, and true to their terroir. With a clear respect for the natural environment, the Domaine follows organic and biodynamic principles, fostering balance in the vineyard and letting nature dictate the pace of growth. Sebastien’s commitment to minimal intervention allows the vineyards to express their full potential, producing wines that are pure and reflective of their origins. The winemaking process is marked by an almost non-interventionist approach, using natural yeasts and allowing the wines to mature on their lees for up to 18 months. Sebastien’s use of oak is thoughtfully measured, reducing the percentage of new oak over time to ensure the wine retains its fresh fruit character while gaining complexity. His wines are structured, with an emphasis on balance and ageability, crafted to highlight the beauty of Burgundy’s terroir. With a production of only about 50 barrels per year across all appellations, the wines are limited, highly sought-after, and offered first to loyal customers. Tasting Notes Nose Dark Fruit, Pepper, Subtle Oak The nose opens with a vibrant mix of dark fruits, including ripe raspberry and black cherry, interwoven with a peppery spice and a touch of subtle oak. The aromatic profile is complex, enticing, and layered. Palate Raspberry, Fresh, Structured On the palate, the wine presents a smooth and balanced profile, with ripe raspberry fruit at the core. The fine tannins provide structure and depth, while a streak of freshness keeps the wine lively and vibrant. Finish Juicy, Balanced, Length The finish is medium in length, with a youthful bitterness that gives way to a balanced, mineral-driven finale. The wine lingers with a clean, refreshing acidity that leaves a lasting impression.