In September 2024, I began farming five acres of vines on Straws Lane in Hesket, in the Macedon Ranges. Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer, planted close, at 800 metres elevation. Fertile volcanic soils. A cool, high site with its own story to tell. I'm only the fourth custodian of this block, and I feel incredibly privileged to look after a vineyard that's almost forty years old. These new wines are my first expressions from this site and I am excited to share them with you.
Region: Macedon Ranges.
Sub-region: Hesket.
Vineyard: Planted in 1987 on the northern slopes of Mount Macedon, this vineyard sits at 800m — among the highest in the region. Dry-grown on north-facing granite outcrop, it's densely planted (5,250 vines/ha; 1.6m rows, 0.5m vines) to 80% Pinot Noir (MV6 and Mariafeld) and 20% Gewürztraminer.
I've farmed the site since September 2024, building on five years of careful cane renewal by the previous custodians to secure its longevity. It's a uniquely cool-climate site — yields are low, but the fruit has real elegance, acidity and flavour. 2025 was an exceptionally warm year in the Macedon Ranges, with dry, stable conditions.
Harvest: 21 March 2025.
Winemaking: Hand harvested on 21 March 2025, roughly 8% was destemmed and the whole berries left to ferment on skins for 20 days, building texture and structure. The remainder was whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation split between amphora and barrique. Post-ferment, the wine continued its élevage in amphora and two seasoned French barriques. Blended in December 2025 and bottled in early June 2026, it was left unfiltered and unfined.
Aged: 8 months in Amphora and oak; 6 months in stainless.
Bottled: June 2026.
Closure: Amorim Cork composite.
Quantity: 79 dozen.
Palate: Intense floral aromas: scented rose, Turkish delight and classic lychee layered with subtle ginger hints. The palate is somewhat less intense: it's textured and fleshy with minerality and freshness. A slight zest on the finish; with soft floral phenolics.
