Mark Walpole is arguably one of Australia's greatest viticulturalists and his interest in cool climate viticulture led him from his home in the Ovens Valley to the elevated Beechworth plateau at the top of the Escarpment above the Murmungee basin. His wines combine a unique expression of the vineyard site, its management; and the greater regional influences. The red wines are made using minimal intervention, using indigenous yeasts and open fermentation. Whites are barrel fermented using both indigenous and cultured yeasts depending on variety and style.

Grab a salumi platter, pretend you're in Tuscany and pour a glass. Yes, this sangiovese is that good. Combines the red cherry fruits, the earthy nuance, cumin herbals and almond skin with a touch of Campari-like bitters to produce a sangiovese impressively sturdy in tannin, compact and gently savoury. It's all here and more. Date: Oct 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion