2025 Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé, Yarra Valley

Made with 35/35/30% merlot/shiraz/cabernet sauvignon. A light, bright coral pink. Portet's calling-card rosé is in good form. Red fruits, blood oranges and a little spice lead onto the flavoursome, dry and vibrant palate. Drink now and over the next year or two.

93 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé 2025 from the Yarra Valley is an elegant, Provençal-inspired rosé that captures the freshness and finesse of this family-run estate. Ninth-generation winemaker Ben Portet draws on his Bordeaux heritage and the Yarra’s cool climate to create a wine that is effortlessly balanced, aromatic and textural. The Fontaine range celebrates approachability and finesse, offering premium craftsmanship in a style designed for pure enjoyment.

The grapes are sourced from select vineyards in the Upper Yarra Valley, where cool nights and long ripening create fruit with bright natural acidity and delicate perfume. The blend is Merlot Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon, hand picked and whole bunch pressed to retain vibrancy and pale colour. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve freshness, with a short period of lees ageing for roundness and texture.

In the glass it gleams pale rose quartz. The aroma is fragrant and refined, offering wild strawberry, rose petal, white peach and citrus zest. The palate is crisp, dry and beautifully balanced, showing layers of red berry fruit, grapefruit and subtle savoury spice. A fine mineral backbone gives precision and length, leading to a clean, mouthwatering finish. It’s an elegant, modern rosé that captures both French finesse and Yarra Valley brightness.

Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled prawns, Provençal salads or roast chicken. It also shines with light pasta or seafood dishes. Perfect for summer drinking but refined enough to enjoy year round, it will maintain its freshness for two to three years after release.