Medium-bodied, spicy and full of charm, this is a really serious Pinot Noir. It's got plenty of fruit, although the overall feeling is of earthiness and savour. The tannins are very soft, and so the texture is really wonderful. The main characters are of blueberry, red currant and ripe red plums. There's a gentle floral element that really perfumes the wine, and then, with a bit of air, you begin to smell some of those spicy characters. The wine has spent some time in older oak barrels, and you get faint whiffs of cinnamon and ginger from this. Overall, a soft and yet complex example of Victorian Pinot Noir.

Phil and his wife Lyn live in a region called Glenburn, in the Yea Valley. This is really at the very northern end of the Yarra Valley, pushing up towards that famous Australian town, Bonnie Doon. Here they grow grapes and bake bread in a peaceful and environmentally respectful way, and have done for over 25 years. The minimise all outputs, so that their land can be as clean and peaceful as possible. This means using solar energy, diminishing their carbon footprint, recycling avidly and ensuring that they avoid chemical inputs into their vineyard. The vineyards are immaculate - tended by hand, with birds singing all around, it really is a magical place. The wines are reflections of this place - they evoke light, beauty and freshness.