2024 Oakridge Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

25% whole bunches. Red fruited with a little bracken and dried flowers, this well-priced and ready-to-drink pinot has good fruit weight, finishing with gently grippy tannins.

91 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Oakridge Pinot Noir is a benchmark example of Yarra Valley cool-climate elegance, crafted with precision by one of the region’s most respected producers. Founded in 1978, Oakridge has built its reputation on site-driven wines that reflect the nuances of the valley’s diverse terroirs. Under the guidance of chief winemaker David Bicknell, the estate focuses on purity of fruit, balance, and restraint, producing Pinots that are vibrant, finely structured, and distinctly regional.

The fruit is sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the Yarra Valley, where the cool climate, long growing season, and well-drained sandy clay loam and volcanic soils provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. Harvested in the cool of the morning to retain freshness, the grapes are partially fermented with whole bunches to add spice and structure, while the remainder undergoes traditional open-top fermentation to capture bright aromatics. Maturation takes place in seasoned French oak barrels, allowing the wine’s delicate red fruit character to shine without being overwhelmed by wood.

In the glass, the wine is a translucent ruby red. Aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, and cranberries mingle with rose petals, subtle spice, and a hint of forest floor. The palate is light to medium bodied, with juicy red fruit, vibrant acidity, and fine, silky tannins giving shape and length. It’s an elegant and expressive Pinot that perfectly reflects the Yarra Valley’s signature style.

This wine is a versatile food partner, pairing beautifully with roast duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or charcuterie with soft cheeses. Its brightness and fine structure also make it a natural match for herb-roasted chicken or beetroot salad. Best enjoyed over the next 5 to 8 years, it will develop savoury complexity with careful cellaring.