Tricia Byrnes and Kevin Bell first planted vines at their Balnarring property in 1998 with the sole intention of creating three single vineyard pinot noirs. Their philosophy centers around respect of the environment as they see their most important role is viticulture. Their wines are from three separate vineyards with slightly different aspects that are planted with different clones of pinot noir. 

Garamond comprises 1.2 ha of easterly aspect. It gets the gently warming morning sun. It exudes peace, calm and fecundity.  It is the good child.  It sets well, but does not overcrop.  It is balanced in every way.  After shoot thinning, we do very little in Garamond, except to genuflect.  The purity of the fruit and the fineness of the tannins can be tasted while the grapes are ripening on the vines. It is all of clone MV6, which came from pre-phylloxera stock brought to Australia from Burgundy in the very early 1800’s by that pioneer of Australian viticulture, James Busby. Garamond is a perfect marriage of vine and place, the apotheosis of Hurley Vineyard terroir. It was planted in 1998. 

More like garnet.  This has an intensely fragrant nose of flowers, raspberries, black cherries and the forest floor.  Medium bodied but more structured than its siblings, the palate experience is one of ripe (not overripe) red cherries, currents and red plums.  The tannins are silky and powdery.  The finish is ultra-long and persistent, flaring at the back of the palate.   This is elegantly framed, very layered and packed with detail.