Critic Scores:

• 96 – Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com
• 95 – Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

Planted in 1984 on volcanic basalt and limestone-rich soils, this certified organic, close-planted block stands as Australia’s oldest high-density Pinot Noir vineyard. Winemaker Matt Holmes fully destemmed the 2024 fruit before a 10-day skin fermentation, subsequently maturing the wine on its lees in French oak hogsheads (40% new) until early 2025. The warmer growing conditions of the 2024 vintage imparted a deep, powerful concentration of old-vine fruit balanced with tight, focused energy.

Poured into the glass, it reveals a dark, concentrated fruit profile layered with subtle reduction, cured meats, and dried flowers.

The mid-weighted palate is highly individual and tightly framed, showing an intense, multi-layered texture of sap, beet, and decayed rose that yields a gently velvety mouthfeel.

The critical assessment is led by Ryan Montgomery of JamesSuckling.com at 96 points, noting its plush framework and mineral finish. In highly supportive tracking, Campbell Mattinson of The Wine Front awarded it 95 points, declaring "the thing about this wine is the length of its finish. It's quite stunning."