Mandala was officially opened in July 2008 by owner Charles Smedley. The estate vineyard has vines up to 20 years old, but the spectacular restaurant and cellar door complex is a more recent addition. The vineyards are primarily at the home base, Dixons Creek, with chardonnay (8ha), cabernet sauvignon (6ha), sauvignon blanc and pinot noir (4ha each), shiraz (2ha) and merlot (1ha), and a separate 4ha vineyard planted entirely to pinot noir with an impressive clonal mix at Yarra Junction. James Halliday

Ripe red cherry and berry fruits, lifted floral aromas and spicy oak overtones. Soft raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit combine with earthy, savoury notes. Precise acidity and fine oak tannins provide balance and length for the elegant fruit. Enjoy with peking duck, charcuterie or rabbit pie. Drink now but has ageing potential of 3 – 5 years. 

With fruit sourced from both Dixon’s Creek and Yarra Junction vineyards, this wine has bright, vibrant ripe red berries on the nose, together with subtle gamey notes and lifted cherry aromas combine with smooth, fine tannins to make this wine a classic Yarra Valley pinot noir.