Spring Vale, from Cranbrook on Tasmania's East Coast is one of Tasmania's best-known vineyards. The Lyne family whose generations have farmed Spring Vale since 1875, diversified from sheep farming to grape growing in the 1980s. Rod Lyne and son Tim are the current custodians.

Spring Vale 2024 Estate Pinot Noir 13.7% ABV

Opening notes of roasted beets and balsamic reduction, damson plum, ferric blood sausage, wild thyme and fennel seeds. Then hits of mocha, molasses and petrichor, a deep, savoury earthiness. The colour extraction is staggering.

On the palate, fresh summer blackberries, cayenne spice and sumac. The tannins and acids are moreish and keep the beat, with a nice roll of cinnamon quill and bresaola. The depth and concentration are quite something.

It’s the full symphony, or as winemaker Matt Wood puts it, “MEGADETH.” Bold and beautiful, one of Spring Vale’s best wines.

- Mark Gordon