Levantine Hill

Glen Garvald Pinot Noir 2018

This north-facing block of D2V5 clone has historically proven an integral component of our Estate Pinot Noir blend. It consistently contributes a light touch of prettiness, perfume and poise to marry with the routinely more robust elements provided by our MV6 clonal blocks. As an extension of our explorations into the possibilities of future ‘fits’ for our vineyard plantings in the face of the steadily evolving and warming climate, we are also delving into the world of clonal variation in Pinot Noir. Trial and subsequent selection of suitable clones beyond the omnipresent and, so far, unsurpassed Yarra Valley ‘workhorse’ MV6 clone may well throw a lifeline in extending the ongoing viability of this noble variety on the Valley floor. As a first step in this process, we chose to feature the north facing D2V5 clone as a singular wine.
This wine walks a tense line between savoury and sweet-fruited characters. It bears a lightness of colour with a brightness of fruit redolent of rhubarb and sour cherry while being underpinned and complexed by darker elements of clove, woodruff, nutmeg, coffee and damp earth. Flavours of sarsaparilla, sumac, shiitake mushroom broth and arrowroot biscuit surf a subliminal stemmy note. Clonal particularity accentuated by a soft guiding hand in the winemaking delivers a promising steppingstone in a future represent for this clone in our closely entwined Yarra Valley floor climatic and clonal future.
This wine is suitable for vegans.