In 1982, Pamela and Richard Austin purchased a small five-acre block in Waurn Ponds, Victoria. Driven by a desire to grow grapes and make wine to be enjoyed with their friends around the dinner table, they developed a small vineyard of three acres.

When Pinot Noir finally started to make a mark in this country, the aim of consumers was to find one that was decent quality, provided enjoyable drinking and sat under the $20 mark. That was a long time ago, so we can forgive the team here for being slightly above that price mark, but otherwise they have it nailed. A single vineyard wine from Geelong, it is really hard to think of any reason why you wouldn’t have a few bottles of these lurking in the cellar. Maroon/purple, there are attractive aromatics with plums, blackberries, cranberries, animal fur and spices. A wine of medium length with a gentle fade, there are slightly earthy tannins. A juicy style with fresh acidity, this is youthful but a pleasure to drink. Enjoy it over the next three to five years. Date: April 2026; Price: $25.00; Drink by: 2026-2031; Rating: 92 Points; Wine Pilot