Passing Clouds was the name co-founders Graeme Leith and Sue Mackinnon gave to their small family owned winery when in 1974 having tirelessly hand planted their central Victorian Bendigo vineyard, were hoping for rain. Rain clouds would come, threaten and pass, and on old gold diggings and a deserted creek bed, they planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Now under the watch of Cameron Leith there is a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their new home in the Macedon Ranges which when coupled with their ongoing traditional Passing Clouds offerings from Bendigo compounds to form a formidable stable of wines.

This is another cracking wine from the 2021 vintage in Bendigo. The striking feature here is how the richness and concentration of the fruit is presented with such a velvety, slinky, and most stylish mouthfeel. The colour is brilliant and bright with notes of mulberry and a slightly spicy plum note. There's even a little dark chocolate. The palate is silky smooth and finely integrated with oak and tannin, perfectly weighted against the plushness and refinement of the fruit. It has a lovely mouthfeel with dry chalky tannins adding the final touch and flourish to an exceptional wine. Cellar: 15 years. Rating: 96 Points: Ray Jordan

Eucalyptus forest-floor aromas, earthy and underbrush notes, the palate intense and ripe, with licorice and black fruit flavours, a trace of bitumen. It's full-bodied, solid and ageworthy, the finish long and alcohol-warmed. Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $32.00; Drink: 2025-2035; Rating: 92 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Attractively fruited and immediately appealing, the wine shows dark plum, dried herb, star anise and toasted almond notes, followed by a succulent palate delivering fine texture and supple mouthfeel. Elegantly framed by fine-grained tannins, finishing lingering and structured. At its best: now to 2033. Date: Aug 2024; Price: $34.00; Rating: 92 Points; Wine Orbit