This high-profile wine business was established by Robert and Mem Kirby (of Village Roadshow), who had been landowners in the Mornington Peninsula for decades. In 1998 they established Yabby Lake Vineyard, under the direction of vineyard manager Keith Harris; the vineyard is on a north-facing slope, capturing maximum sunshine while also receiving sea breezes.
The main focus is the 25.4ha of Pinot Noir, 14ha of Chardonnay and 7.7ha of Pinot Gris; Shiraz, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc take a back seat. The arrival of the hugely talented Tom Carson as Group Winemaker has added lustre to the winery and its wines. After 10 years of planning, Robert and Mem handed control of the family’s vineyards and brands to their children, Nina and Clark, in 2008.
94+ Points Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple, the 2012 Block 2 Pinot Noir offers an earthy/stemmy nose to begin over a good core of raspberries and red cherries with suggestions of pepper, Provence herbs, lavender and cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied with superb concentration, the stemmy character is standing out slightly now but the great core of fruit suggests this should marry well with age, supported by the firm chewy tannins. It finishes very long with plenty of complex layers. LPB
