This Pinot Noir is sourced from Xavier’s 1ha vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland. Planted in 1987, Xavier calls it the ‘estate’ Pinot Noir. The grapes were 100% de- stemmed and fermented in stainless steel on skins for 4 weeks. The juice was pressed into 1800L Marc Grenier oak where it stayed for 12 months. A true testament to the older pinot vines.

It’s full of fragrant strawberries and raspberries accompanied by tart rhubarb and rosehip nuance. The perfume is enticingly fruity but there’s a great deal of savoury and meaty elements in tow coming fourth on the palate. Cinnamon bark, blood orange, sous-bois, white pepper and chalky tannins compose the flavour spectrum and texture. It’s a beautifully perfumed and mouthwatering Pinot of lightness and that ethereal varietal spark captured in a bottle. It’s slightly lighter in weight than the Pinot made under the Gippsland label.

Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 93 points

"Planted 1987, this is from Xavier Goodridge’s one hectare vineyard, sent to a large format barrel and rested for 12 months. A frisky and fresh feeling pinot noir, gossamer texture, crunch to tannin, transparent ruby-garnet colour a semiotic for what’s to come. Gentle scents of cranberry and pomegranate juice, red apple, alpine herbs, mint, lavender. The flavour spectrum runs similarly to the bouquet, very delicate, ultra-pure and super vibrant, crisp, long, but understated and almost rosé like in its composure and feel. It’s easy to guzzle, finishes with cooling, briny acidity and a lick of faint botanicals and blood orange. Really delicious and easy to drink, albeit somewhat straightforward overall, perhaps."