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 region produces some outstanding Shiraz. While warm, it’s not overly hot, yielding stylish, medium-weight wines with strong flavour intensity. This one opens with a spicy, plummy nose, backed by subtle blackberry. The palate is textured and refined, with fine chalky tannins and subtly balanced oak. A well-managed, impeccably integrated wine with a long, sustained finish. Date: July 2025; Drink by: 2025-2035; Rating: 93 Points; Ray Jordan

Beautifully styled and expressed, the elegantly perfumed bouquet shows dark plum, sweet cherry, olive, and toasted spice aromas. The palate  delivers juicy fruit intensity with a generous mouthfeel and rounded texture, finishing lingering and supple. At its best: now to 2034; Rating: 93 Points; Wine Orbit