Handpicked Wines is one of Australia's most compelling multi-regional estate producers, built on a commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture across carefully chosen sites. In the Yarra Valley, they farm two distinct vineyards that together capture the full breadth of what this remarkable cool-climate region can do.

Wombat Creek Vineyard in Gladysdale sits at the highest elevation in the Yarra Valley, with mature vines planted on steep hills of red volcanic loam. It is cooler and wetter than the valley floor, producing wines of racy acidity and refined structure. Highbow Hill, located at Yarra Glen on the valley floor, grows on sandy loam over clay and gravel above Yarra Valley mudstone a richer site that delivers weight, texture and black fruit depth.

The Yarra Valley is internationally recognised as one of Australia's finest Pinot Noir regions, with cool, dry summers, limited maritime influence and long, flavour-building autumns. The Collection Pinot Noir is a direct expression of Handpicked's winemaking philosophy: minimal intervention, respect for site, and a focus on producing wines of genuine regional character. Hand plunging and pumping over during fermentation, followed by careful barrel selection, results in a wine of real complexity and elegance.

Year: 2023

Colour: Medium ruby with a clear, bright hue.

Nose: Wild strawberry and mixed cherries with hints of anise and cinnamon. A subtle lift of savoury spice from French Oak integration.

Palate: The palate reflects the parentage of both sites: weight, texture and dark fruits from Highbow Hill layered with juicy red fruit, discrete acidity and fine-boned structure from Wombat Creek. Well-balanced tannins and a clean, medium length finish.

Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria

Volume: 750mL

Alcohol: 13.0%

Food match: Wild mushroom risotto, crispy pork belly, duck, salmon