Gippsland Pinot Noir, 2025

A pinot for the start of the evening: floral, fresh and bright, from two volcanic-soil vineyards at opposite ends of Gippsland.

Strawberry gum, wild acacia, brined plum and fresh black cherry, then a fine-boned, lively palate with a little oak spice tying the fruit and herbs together. William Downie blends two sites: the Matthews family's Berrys Creek vineyard in South Gippsland, certified organic, and Manilla in East Gippsland, a flat block at 300 metres ringed by trees and farmed biodynamically. Both are dry-grown on volcanic soil. The wet 2025 season, finished by a summer heatwave, made bright, fresh wines.