2018 Arfion Primavera Vineyard - Nebbiolo

01.05.2020 - Winefront – Gary Walsh

 From the Primavera vineyard in Woori Yallock, 79 cases produced.

Fancy rosehip and aniseed/mint perfume over cherry and rhubarb, plus some spice. It’s medium-bodied, clear and fine in the acidity department, a rosy mouth-perfume over squishy red fruit and cherry, tannin is fine and lightly dusty, and the finish is long, precise and clean. An excellent rendition of Nebbiolo, and such a good drink.

93 Points

15.05.2020 – Qwine reviews – Steve Leszczynski

Dave Mackintosh is an uber cool dude. To say I was pumped when samples of his wines arrived would be an understatement. I first met "Dave Bro" back in 2013. What immediately stood out to me was his absolute humility and calm disposition. At the time he produced only a few barrels and was happy with his lot and not wanting production to get too big. Fast forward to the present and his popularity surged and then some - good things come to good people I say. 

This Nebbiolo is a beauty! So pretty. So captivating. 

Talk about Nebbiolo in the slot. It's a variety really hitting its straps in the Yarra Valley of late. The fruit is beautifully weighted as violets and dried red flowers spill from the glass. Dark plums and a thread of meatiness casually stroll about. It's fresh and measured as dark cherries, dried herbs and puffs of earthiness add value before those powdery Nebbiolo tannins hit the landing strip and ride long. An endearing composure keeps me coming back. Drying to finish with a lip smacking moreishness, pour me another large glass please. 

 Drink to six years+

 94 Points

2019 Arfion Full Moon Vineyard - Pinot noir

01.05.2020 - Winefront – Gary Walsh

100% whole bunch from the vineyard famous for a bit of drop trousers action. Gladysdale. 108 dozen produced.

A lot of whole bunch, almost into wheatgerm territory, plus capsicum, yet it tempers the sweet red fruits to wholesome effect. There’s a light smoked paprika element too, and some vanilla/floral perfume. It’s juicy, all poached strawberry and spice, a little smoke and shaved ham, and pencil, fine graphite tannin, and a sweet and spicy finish of fine length. Lovely wine. Personality plus.

93 Points

15.05.2020 – Qwine reviews – Steve Leszczynski

This is Dave Mackintosh's first Pinot release from the Full Moon vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley. Based on what is in the glass, let's hope we see many more vintages from here too - this is a cracker!

Whole bunches are all the rage here. Emphasis on all - 100% of them. And you can see is the savoury goodness they bring immediately. Red cherries and red berries and lassoed by some smoke and char. I adore the textural presence. It just gives depth and builds intrigue. Above all, it's a roller coaster of interest as the fruit dips and the savoury soars. Scents of dried red flowers emerge. Suddenly the texture has your attention before fine spices curl around the mouth then roll out to a long and moreish finish. A mightily impressive Pinot. Find a fire and a conversation and you're set.

Drink to six years+

 94 points

2019 Arfion Willowlake Vineyard - Pinot noir

01.05.2020 - Winefront – Gary Walsh

It’s a very Lord of the Rings kind of name, is Arfion. Add in Willowlake, and you’ve almost got a Led Zeppelin song. 315 cases produced.

Poached strawberry and spice, paprika, a little vanilla and perfume above. Silky and juicy, squished strawberry with cool mint and spice, perhaps some cold brew coffee, lick of graphite tannin, fine acidity, and that playful tannin and spice on a long composed finish. Excellent. And excellent now. You could wait a bit, but why?

94 Points

15.05.2020 – Qwine reviews – Steve Leszczynski

This is one of those Pinots to enjoy when you are surrounded by those who laugh out loud and love life. A great drink and then some.

Make no mistake here as the drinkability factor is super high. It's pretty and dainty in the glass. Scents of red flowers and raspberry kick things off. Lean and skeletal yet mellow in part. There's a burst of excitement before the red cherry fruit reclines and seemingly goes with the flow. Earthy and mushroom compost characters tick away but there's a delightful textural presence and length which is hard to ignore. Go here for sure. 

 Drink to five years.

 94 points