2024 Oakridge Hazeldene Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

Not as immediately aromatic as others in the vineyard series, but it delivers deep and powerful intensity on the palate. It displays refinement and precision, with a brick dust character seamlessly integrated with red fruit and smoky oak. The firm spine and velvety smooth fruit suggest further evolution with aging. Drink 2026 to 2038.

96 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, April 2026

Oakridge has become one of the Yarra Valley's most trusted voices for Pinot Noir under Chief Winemaker David Bicknell. The Hazeldene Vineyard is located on a north-facing slope at Gladysdale in the upper Yarra Valley. The MV6 clone of Pinot Noir was planted here in 1998 on red volcanic soils. The same site also produces fruit for the 864 wines in outstanding vintages, an indicator of the block's quality.

The 2024 season started cool and wet before giving way to a dry, temperate autumn. Slow, even ripening and produced fruit with natural balance and vibrant aromatics. Hand-picked, open vessel fermentation with whole bunch inclusion, then matured in French oak for eleven months. The winemaking stays deliberately out of the way, prioritising site expression.

The nose is expressive and layered red cherry, strawberry and rose petal with earthy undergrowth, dried herbs and a savoury spice thread. The palate opens with a glossy burst of red fruit that gradually reveals greater depth and complexity with silky tannins, precise acidity and a long, composed finish.

Likely to develop nicely in the bottle over short term. Keep food reasonably light in palate weight, as this is a Pinot more in the light to medium bodied end the spectrum. Poultry and small game like rabbits would work well, as would lighter and fragrant Cantonese dishes.

Drink now through 2030.