Levantine Hill is located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley and is one of Australia’s most premium wine producers. A family-owned estate comprising two vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door and highly awarded restaurant, its wines are handcrafted without compromise by renowned Australian winemaker Paul Bridgeman. With a stated ethos of producing cool climate, delicate and refined wines of uncompromising quality, Levantine Hill has established a world-class reputation, winning many major international awards and the acclaim of leading wine experts.

Inspired by the Grand Crus red wines of Burgundy, Colleen’s Paddock is perfectly positioned in a suntrap on a steep slope on the lowest and coolest part of the family estate. The steepness of the vineyard provides huge variations in ripening times, which means fruit picking in this tiny Pinot Noir block takes place over many weeks to ensure perfect ripeness in each small aliquot.

Pleasing perfume, red fruits, kind of autumnal too with some porcini mushroom, rhubarb, and a little spice. It’s quite delicate with fine emery tannin, a subtle ‘mineral’ feel, again the savoury flavours coming through, slightly mulchy, but pleasing in a sort of old school Yarra Pinot way. Finish has some sour cherry, poached strawberry, and good length. It’s in a good spot, and drinks very well.  Tasted: Jul 2022; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $200; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2022-2026+; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

The nose has a combination of red cherry, rhubarb and faint earth with an array of brown spice and undergrowth. The palate builds seamlessly and is underpinned by an elegance but generosity of cherry fruit; oak gives a sheath of spice and richness but is is really the subtle savoury influences that sets the wine apart. Tannins are fine and laced with black tea and bracken. The finish is long and complete and mirrors the fruit vs winemaker influence across the palate. A stunning wine. Date: July 2022; Drink: 2022-2032; Rating: 97 Points; Patrick Eckel; Wine Reviewer