The names Punt Road and Airlie Bank recognise the important role our estate played in the history of grape growing in the Yarra Valley. On Melbourne’s Punt Road, against the bank of the Yarra River, once sat the Airlie Bank vineyard. It was from here in 1860 that Hubert De Castella, a Swiss immigrant and pioneering grape grower, acquired vine cuttings to plant 200 acres of vineyard in Coldstream. The wines produced from those historic vines quickly gained acclaim and recognition in Australia and Europe. This land would later become the home of the original St Hubert’s vineyard and then the Punt Road vineyard and winery.

Red cherry, raspberry, and perfume spice. Fruit forward in the mouth with supple fine tannins. This Pinot sings of bright red fruits with hints of spice and earth. Smooth tannins create an enjoyable drinking experience. Made from multiple blocks and clones, it was fermented with wild yeasts and minimal use of French oak to preserve freshness.

Hand picked from a single block of 777 from the Napoleone vineyard. Some whole bunches. A light, bright garnet. An instantly appealing bouquet of fresh summer berries, a little briar, white pepper and light rose petal scents. This delivers on the light- to medium-bodied palate, too. Bright, crunchy tannins round out a very well-priced wine that'll be even better 6–12 months from now. Date: Jan 2025; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $28.00; Drink by: 2029; Rating: 93 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion