2024 Thousand Candles Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

Thousand Candles Single Vineyard Pinot Noir is a serious, site driven expression of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir that rewards time and attention. Sourced from a single vineyard, this wine reflects the cooler side of the Yarra Valley, where elevation, long growing seasons and cool nights build fragrance, fine structure and natural acidity. Clay and volcanic influenced soils contribute savoury depth and a sense of quiet tension that runs through the wine.

Thousand Candles is led by Stuart Proud and Tim Holmes, whose philosophy centres on minimal intervention and letting individual vineyards speak clearly. Gentle extraction, restrained oak and careful élevage are used to frame the fruit rather than shape it. The result is Pinot Noir that feels honest, detailed and firmly grounded in place.

The aromatics are layered and evolving. Red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry sit at the core, followed by pomegranate, rose petal and violets. With air, savoury notes emerge, forest floor, damp earth and dried herbs, along with subtle white pepper and clove spice. There is clarity and lift, but also a darker, more contemplative edge.

The palate is finely etched and precise. Bright red fruits lead into blood orange zest and sour cherry, carried by fresh, integrated acidity. Tannins are extremely fine and powdery, providing shape without firmness. Mid palate, savoury complexity builds with hints of mushroom, ironstone and gentle cedar. Oak is quietly supportive, never obvious, and the finish is long, clean and persistent, tapering into red fruit, spice and earthy nuance.

This is a Pinot Noir that truly shines with food. Roast duck, quail, pork with herbs or mushroom driven dishes are natural matches. Decanting is worthwhile, particularly when young. While already expressive, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over eight to twelve years, gaining deeper savoury and tertiary complexity while retaining its freshness and poise.