The word ‘Estate’ can mean a lot of things to different people. The one that really resonates with me, in the context of wine, is the stately ‘manor style’ house, bathed in sunshine, on a vast property surrounded by grapevines looking lush and green. You’re picturing it in your mind now, aren’t you?
Levantine Hill do not use the word ‘Estate’ on their labels or include it in their name. However, their Cellar Door, with its beautiful grounds adorned with art installations and the adjoining vineyards, give it that ‘Estate’ feel complemented by a welcoming, warm and relaxing space inside that seems to invite you back after each visit. And you can’t forget, or miss, the Jreissatti family home that sits so splendidly atop a hill surrounded by vineyards that complete the Levantine Hill ‘Estate’ picture in this lovely part of the Yarra Valley.
Region: Yarra Valley, Vic Price: $80 each Source: Samples thanks kindly to Levantine Hill
Chardonnay
A lovely nose starts things off with a hint of flint, melon and peach. Rich on the palate with abundant stone-fruit characters, creamy and textural, delicate yet impactful grapefruit like acidity and just a hint of spice, all of which lingers longingly on the finish. This is a brilliant Chardonnay! I loved it, my wife loved it and a mate who tried it loved it too. Lots of love all round for this bottle of beauty.
Pinot Noir
Love a good Pinot Noir? Get yourself some of this! A dark cherry and red currant nose with a touch of oak as well. An intense yet elegant palate of black fruits, black cherry, some earthiness comes through along with a palate coating red-fruit like freshness and some gentle spiciness adding a lovely dimension to it. The tannins and acidity are lovely and fine as it finishes long and smooth.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This shouts ‘Cabernet’ from the roof tops and everyone is listening. Juicy dark berry goodness to die for from the nose to the toes with this one, along with a modicum of herb and spice notes, nice supportive oak and svelte tannins on an excellent long finish. It’s beautifully medium bodied and mouthcoating while maintaining that elegance and poise we love in a Yarra Valley Cabernet at its very best, which this is!
Words from a Wine Glass 