2024 ‘Applecross’ Pinot Noir

A blend from three blocks - 41% from the 1976 Mv6 block (2.8 t/Ha), 35% from the 1998 Mv6 block (2.4 t/Ha) and 24% from the 2003 block of c777 (3.4 t/Ha). Hand picked on the 1st of March and sorted with 20% whole bunches added to 80% whole berries for fermentation. After two weeks fermenting on skins it was pressed to a mixture of 500 Lt puncheons, 300L Lt hogsheads and 225 Lt barriques where it completed malo and rested on fine lees for 11 months prior to blending and bottling in late February 2025. 174 dozen bottles and 30 magnums made.

The Vineyard

Founded in 1975 by David and Catherine Lance this distinguished site has been making high quality wines across two generations since its first release 1982. Sited in a natural amphitheatre ranging between 190 - 230 metres ASL in the thin rocky soils of St Andrews. Initial plantings were to Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon in 1976, followed by chardonnay in 1984 and further plantings of pinot noir in 1989, 1998 and 2003. All of these older blocks are planted on their own roots. The 1989 planting is notable as one of the first high density planting of pinot noir in the country at 8,300 plants per hectare, more than 2.5 times the density than the original and more conventional plantings. More recently two more high density blocks have been added planted on rootstocks; more pinot noir in 2021 and chardonnay in 2022. Sadly, the Lance’s decided it was time to sell the vineyard in late 2024 and we are now working with the new owners to continue buying the grapes beyond 2025. 

The 2024 Applecross Pinot Noir is from a massal selection of clonal material planted between 1976 and 1998 at St. Andrews in the Yarra Valley. It was fermented with whole berries/whole bunches, and the élevage was in French oak barrels. This wine, a few months ahead of its market release currently, is so bright and perfumed. Rose, pistachio, graphite/petrichor, dry spice and tapenade coalesce on the palate in a rush. Pure, tightly wound and eminently focused, this is a gorgeous wine. The whole-bunch character rides high in the wine, but far from finding it distracting, I find myself attracted to it. This is super good and comes warmly recommended. 13.4% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95+ points, drink 2025 - 2039.

Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate. Published: Sep 19, 2025