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.
96 Points Mike Bennie
Moody perfume set to dark cherry, dried and fresh rose petals, beetroot, clove/cinnamon spic, dried herbs. An ebb and flow between sweeter notes and savoury. Charming anyway. Immediately a sinewy, wet slate-like mineral character to taste, but that’s set under the juicy, ripe-off-tree cherry flavours and a raft of spice/earth/herb flavours going on. Shopping cart lists aside, it’s all about reserve, complexity, vitality and the tension in texture. Such length too, though the finish builds to firm pucker rather than silky drag. It’s excellent.
