The fruit for this wine is taken from Xavier’s Maffra vineyard and is the new plantings and graftings of 3 different clones, mv6, 114 and abel. Xavier refers to it as his ‘village’ bottling. Vinification included 100% de-stemmed grapes, fermented in stainless steel on skins for 2-3 weeks and aged in a mixture of steel and French oak barrels. It was left to mature for 12 months.

The fruit profile in the Gippsland Pinot Noir steps slightly more into a sweeter and riper fruit spectrum along with dark spice territory compared to the mostly crunchy and brightly red-fruited Avon expression. It has a red cherry, red plum, black liquorice, a hint of coffee and black tea to close. A touch of bergamot orange scent and violet add depth to the perfume. It’s textural and earthy, with a little grainy tannins and black pepper spice. It gets you with a great punch of flavour, a medium body with a refreshing acidity and a bitter amaro tang for a great balance.

Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 93 points

"From Xavier Goodridge’s Maffra-located vineyard in Gippsland. From younger plantings. It’s tart and sweet in the same breath, succulent, silky, satisfying and set at the brighter end of the spectrum of pinot noir. Sour cherry, light cranberry notes, pomegranate juice with faint tobacco, clove and autumnal leaf characters in tow. Slips along the palate nicely, even and with this fresh yet tightly coiled feel. A vibrancy even with its light weight feel and trails well with its spice and more pleasingly bitter red berry fruit characters. Lip-smacking stuff. A delight to drink on."