Category Archives: Yarra Valley

2010 Luke Lambert Yarra valley Nebbiolo

The first of Luke Lambert’s Nebbiolos to come from the Yarra Valley. Previous releases utilised Heathcote fruit. Sold out ex winery but you may still be able to find it at a retail level. It’s certainly worth the effort. Perfumed … Continue reading

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2011 Luke Lambert Sparkling Chardonnay

Beautifully packaged and rather fascinating yet I’m not totally sold. Aromas of apple cider, washed rind cheese, nuts and chicken stock. It isn’t a fruity wine and despite the use of oak, complete wild fermentation and 100% malo it seems … Continue reading

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2012 Luke Lambert Crudo Rosé

Made from Nebbiolo and Shiraz grapes. I’m not sure Rosé gets much better than this. Best not to serve it too cold. A little cloudy in the glass. It smells and tastes savoury and earthen…almost of mushrooms. Blood orange, rubbed tobacco, … Continue reading

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2012 Bird on a Wire Marsanne

A wine I’ve championed since its inception. This is the third release and probably the most accomplished. More opulent than the 2011 with a superior sense of balance in comparison to the 2010. It’s not a wine that everyone will … Continue reading

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2012 Tightrope Walker Yarra Valley Chardonnay

The words “Yarra Valley” are printed in the largest typeface on the label but the bottom right-hand corner bears Adrian Sparks’ name as winemaker. This seems fitting as I can see Sparks’ fingerprints on the wine but first and foremost it … Continue reading

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2011 Tightrope Walker Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

A new label for McWilliam’s consisting of this Pinot and a 2012 Yarra Valley Chardonnay. The latter is the better wine but this is rather fascinating considering the vintage. I can’t tell you from whence in the region the fruit … Continue reading

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2012 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Villages Pinot Noir

As with the Villages Chardonnay, a number of vineyards throughout the Yarra are utilised in the final assemblage of this Pinot Noir. I don’t have a great deal of detail as to vinification. Sweet black raspberry peaks rise amidst a sappy skyline with plums, … Continue reading

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2012 De Bortoli Villages Chardonnay

Sourced from a number of vineyards throughout the Yarra Valley. Wild fermented in French oak casks. 100% malolactic. Some struck match and solidsy notes tame the primary white peach flavour with suggestions of citrus underneath. Malleable in the mouth with appreciable tannin yet … Continue reading

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2012 De Bortoli Act Four Syrah Gamay

More dark fruited generosity than the 2011 model although there are still raspberry and cherry highlights. Not quite as spicy either, but still delicious. I’m a fan of both vintages. Soft, perfumed, juicy, floral and gluggable without any dumbing down. … Continue reading

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2013 De Bortoli La Boheme Act Two Dry Pinot Rosé

I do like the La Boheme Pinot Rosé but I miss the Estate version which I don’t believe has been made since the 2011 vintage. A matter of market demand? This is fermented in small casks using indigenous yeasts and … Continue reading

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