Before founding Vandenberg Wines, Richie Vandenberg was a notable ‘Aussie Rules’ footballer and captain of a different sort. He played for Hawthorn Football Club from 1997, becoming captain of the team in 2005, and retiring from the game in 2007. Richie co-founded Vandenberg Wines in 2013 with the goal of creating premium wine, and continuing family tradition.

This is a fine Pinot Noir. It has substance, it has a pretty side, it's impressively well structured and it extends beautifully through the finish. Win-win-win. Red cherry and strawberry flavours come flashed with elaborate smoked meat and dried flowers characters. The spread of this wine, the gravity and the extended finish are all A-Grade. Date Tasted: April 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $50.00; Closure: Diam; Rating: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson