Mark Walpole is arguably one of Australia's greatest viticulturalists and his interest in cool climate viticulture led him from his home in the Ovens Valley to the elevated Beechworth plateau at the top of the Escarpment above the Murmungee basin. His wines combine a unique expression of the vineyard site, its management; and the greater regional influences. The red wines are made using minimal intervention, using indigenous yeasts and open fermentation. Whites are barrel fermented using both indigenous and cultured yeasts depending on variety and style.

Mark Walpole loves sangiovese and the feeling is reciprocated. This is a mighty strong follow-up to the '23, fairly bristling in cherry-fruited and aromatic brightness and crunch in youth, with an underlying brooding quality that says, 'just wait.' A smidge (5%) of the Tuscan colorino red grape adds to the iridescence of the cherry red, bright hues. Aromas rise in wild raspberries, red cherries, plum, florals, cumin, fennel seed, red earth and spice. The palate is nicely weighted, with brisk acid crunch, and is both upbeat and alive in spiced cherry, red fruits and an underlying savouriness of Campari, dried herbs, licorice and mineral earthiness. Potential? You bet! Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2033; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion