Gembrook Hill, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, 2012

One of the pioneering family estates of the Upper Yarra Valley, Gembrook Hill is a prime example of an estate-based approach to making high-quality, cool-climate wine. Founded in 1983 by Ian and June Marks, the distinctive quality of the Pinot Noir made here is a combination of a great site, a mature vineyard, attentive viticulture and the uncompromising, purist approach of winemaker Timo Mayer, who has been joined in recent vintages by the second generation, Andrew Marks. The power and elegance that the wines of Gembrook Hill attain is a hallmark quality of Upper Yarra Valley terroir.   Roger Jones<br /> Bright, fresh intensity of red berries and shortbread. It’s rich and velvety with lots of layers and savoury nuances – seems quite youthful. A lovely, well-made wine with a great savoury spice quality. Be sure to decant.   Justin Knock<br /> Serious, complex, savoury and aromatic – has wide appeal while still being challenging. Smoky briar fruit and poached red fruits – seamless and textured. Bright acidity and tangy persimmon tannins. Wonderful.   Anthony Rose<br /> Classic, juicy, succulent Pinot Noir with rich strawberry fruit, a touch of cool-climate pepper, fresh acidity and lively succulence of silky textured ripe fruit combined with a savoury fresh finish. Real finesse.