A surf trip to California in 1999, supported by some winery work with his winemaker uncle on the central coast, turned Shaun Crinion’s fledgling interest in wine into a lifelong obsession. Over that time, his winemaking philosophy has evolved into a light-handed approach of minimal intervention and scant addition, focusing on the pure expression of site and fruit – ‘I’m a traditionalist, hands-on winemaker and I like it that way.’ With that confidence of direction, Shaun started his own venture in 2009, ‘with the view to make high quality unadulterated wines from special patches of dirt at realistic prices.’

A blend of three Upper Yarra Pinot sites in Macclesfield, Gladysdale and Steels Creek. All natural ferments with 25% whole bunch plus an average of 15-20 days on skins. Aged for 10 months in French oak Barrique’s and Puncheons (10% new). Bottled by gravity, un-fined and unfiltered.

Pale Ruby red colour in the glass with scents of raspberries, cranberry, earth and wood smoke. There’s a gentle whole bunch element coming into play - more like a herb garden than a vegetal character. The palate is delicate and plush with cherry cola and beetroot flavours, and the tannins are very fine. The wine finishes with fresh delicate acidity.