The Mills Family have been custodians, farming this land for generations. In 1975 they began experimenting with some plantings of table grapes and in 1982 they planted their first block with the express interest of producing high quality wines. They released their first commercial vintage in 1989 and continue to farm the land 30 years later.

Aromas of rose with leaves and some red fruit such as cranberries and plums. Hibiscus. Bright. Medium body with linear mouthfeel of driven acidity that folds in nicely in the palate. Subtle, juicy and seductive. From biodynamically grown grapes. Date: Dec 2022; Rating: 98 Points; James Suckling

This is fleshier and juicier that the other 2019 pinot noir releases from Rippon, albeit in degrees. There’s a fine, lacy and yet steely web of tannin draped over the wine, granitic and minerally and very refreshing. Dark cherry, salted plums, alpine herbs and clove-woody spice are the defining elements in scents and flavours. There’s a bit more approachability to this wine, albeit it needs a good airing before getting stuck in. Feels ethereal, gossamer and yet athletic; a nice, fine yet chewy mouthful of dark fruits and spice, that minerality shot through it all. Serious stuff. Excellent wine. Date: Sept 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $145; Closure: Diam; Drink: 2024-2040; Rated: 96 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front