Philip Rich

Halliday Wine Companion 98 Points

From the Applejack vineyard, planted on grey clay soils at 300m in Gladysdale in '97 by Ray Guerin. 40% whole bunches and 40% less wine in '24. Darkly fruited and more intense than the '23 with aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, briar, and just a hint of sous bois. On the palate, this is as concentrated and mouth-filling as the bouquet suggests it will be, culminating with succulent, grippy tannins on the long, tapering finish. It's a touch more 'sauvage' and a little less floral than normal but, even in this warmer vintage, one of Australia's most celebrated pinot noirs is in impressive form.

Australian Pinot Noir Challenge

2025 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge 95 Points

Regional Winner Yarra Valley Pinot Noir and Champion Wine of Show

James Suckling

James Suckling 97 Points

Notably complete, with aromas of fresh flowers, cherries, wild berries, graphite, minerals, plum skins and blood orange. The palate is silken, with no hard edges, finely tuned tannins and notes of five spice and red and blue fruits, plus an herbal, savory edge. Excellent, with plenty of flair. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Campbell Mattinson

The Wine Front 96 Points

When I was a kid in suburban Melbourne various neighbours along my street would, in autumn, sweep up the fallen leaves into brown piles and then burn them, in the gutter, in the street. I’d walk to school and pass intermittent piles of smouldering smoke, which was cinematic, atmospheric, and mind-boggling simultaneously. I mention this here because this release of Applejack Pinot Noir is so inherently autumnal. I picked up the glass, took one sniff and sip, and thought: hello. The smoked herbs, the leaves, the walk through a misty-smoky field of red cherry and plum. The palate puts its foot down, upping the presence, and then fanning out through the finish. It’s a wine of extreme length but it’s the feels, the fleshes and the nuances that motor the enchantment.