Xavier Goodridge gives his name to his eponymous label. A blend of original and grafted vines from the hectare Avon Vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland (originally planted in 1987). Clones are MV6, Abel, and 114. Hand picked and hand sorted and destemmed. Fermentation for 20 days before pressing off and 10 months maturation in large format 1800L foudres oak. Xavier calls this his ‘village’ release. Bottled under DIAM (wax dipped).

Xavier Wine, Gippsland, Pinot Noir, Gippsland, 2024

Medium garnet to ruby. Lightly smoky, crushed cherries, dried cranberry, brushed thyme leaves on the bush, a little orange citrus zest, light potpourri and hibiscus tea. Mid-weight: bouncy and approachable with a easy red fruit crunch. There’s tight, meshed, fine tannin which shows the class. There’s a hint of savouriness and minerally focus to give a firm base that carries through a well balanced finish.

RRP: $45
Alc: 12%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Xavier Wine and Common State