2020 Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Cuvée Nina, Mornington Peninsula

From one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most revered vineyards, Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Cuvée Nina is a deeply personal and highly limited release, named in honour of the family matriarch. Yabby Lake, founded by the Kirby family, has become a benchmark for precision viticulture and site driven wines, with each release reflecting meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful winemaking. Cuvée Nina sits at the pinnacle of the range, produced only in select vintages from the best parcels, capturing both power and finesse in equal measure.

A deep ruby garnet with luminous clarity fills the glass. Aromas unfold in layered waves of dark cherry, wild strawberry and plum intertwined with rose petal, baking spice and subtle forest floor complexity. There is an immediate sense of depth and quiet intensity, drawing you in slowly.

The palate is medium to full bodied and beautifully structured, delivering concentrated red and dark berry fruit framed by ultra fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of pomegranate, spice and savoury earth build through the mid palate, leading to a long, seamless finish that feels both powerful and effortlessly controlled. This is a Pinot Noir of real presence, built for the long term, evolving gracefully over ten to fifteen years into layers of truffle, dried florals and complex tertiary character.

Duck breast with cherry glaze, venison cooked over open flame, or a rich mushroom and thyme ragù shared slowly. A late evening drift into something expansive, Mahler’s Symphony No 5 or a deep cut from Nick Cave, the wine unfolding in waves, complex, emotional and quietly unforgettable.