Lone Star Creek Vineyard is a well-established vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley in Victoria. Franco D’Anna (winemaker at Hoddles Creek Estate), is the winemaker express the unique character of the vineyard with minimal intervention in the winery.

Made from 90% own-rooted MV6 planted in 1999 and 10% Pommard clone planted in 2017; 5% wholes bunches and matured in French barrique (25% new). A bright crimson purple. Fragrant and immediately appealing with its aromas of strawberry puree, raspberries and gentle spice. The bright, light- to medium-bodied palate is well weighted with crunchy and refreshing tannins, rounding out a wine that will continue to improve over the next 2-3 years if not longer. A single-vineyard Upper Yarra pinot at this price is a steal. Drink to: 2027; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

It's remarkable what can be achieved at 12.5% alcohol. This Upper Yarra Pinot Noir is certainly light, in both colour and flavour-depth, but it has such a keen insistence through the back palate and beyond, and such an array of flavours. Herbs of various description, woodsy spice notes, forest berries and the tang of cranberry and strawberry. It's an inherently interesting wine, and highly engaging as a result. Price: $30.00; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2028+; Rated: 92 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front