Levantine Hill Estate Colleen's Paddock Pinot Noir 2017

A flagship release from Levantine Hill’s steepest, coolest vineyard site, the 2017 Colleen’s Paddock Pinot Noir is a wine of rare refinement, built for nuance, patience and deep contemplation. Inspired by the red Grand Crus of Burgundy, this tiny paddock is perched on a steep slope at the lowest point of the estate, requiring multiple, precision harvests over several weeks to ensure perfect ripeness parcel by parcel.

Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Paul Bridgeman, the wine was hand-picked over a 14-day window and fermented in small batches using a combination of whole bunch (including two vats of 100% whole cluster), destemmed fruit, and both wild and cultured yeasts. Gentle extraction and 2–3 weeks on skins were followed by maturation in fine French oak (unspecified, but subtle). The result is an estate-grown Yarra Valley Pinot Noir of exceptional structure, perfume, and longevity.

The bouquet is intensely aromatic: red cherry, rhubarb and wild strawberry layered with porcini, brown spice, bracken and a whisper of autumnal earth. The palate is beautifully poised—delicate and finely structured, yet persistent—with emery tannins and a mineral spine. A savoury core of tea leaf, sous-bois and subtle oak spice rounds out a wine that will reward cellaring for years to come.

Small-Batch Detail

• Site: Colleen’s Paddock, steep east-facing slope, Yarra Valley

• Harvest: 14-day window, selective hand picking

• Fermentation: Small batch open-top, mix of destemmed and whole bunch (including 2 x 100% WB vats)

• Yeast: Wild + varietal cultured strains

• Extraction: Gentle hand plunging/pump-overs, 2–3 weeks cuvaison

• Maturation: French oak (unspecified)

• Alcohol: 13.0%

• Bottled: Unfined | Vegan status not stated

• Cellaring: Drink now to 2032

Critical Acclaim
⭐ 97 Points – Patrick Eckel, Wine Reviewer
“Builds seamlessly with generosity of cherry fruit and savoury spice… fine tannins, bracken and black tea complexity… a stunning wine.”

⭐ 94 Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“Pleasing perfume… autumnal with porcini and rhubarb, mineral, subtle and savoury… good length and in a great place.”

Fine Pinot Note
One of Australia’s most elegant and cellar-worthy expressions of Pinot Noir. Colleen’s Paddock 2017 delivers Burgundy-inspired poise through a distinctly Yarra Valley lens—steep slope fruit, meticulous winemaking, and a touch of wildness. Best served with roast duck, mushroom risotto, or simply savoured on its own.

Levantine Hill Estate

Levantine Hill Estate is a Yarra Valley winery renowned for its high-quality wines, architectural design, and events. It's a family-owned estate with two vineyards, a striking cellar door and restaurant, and a state-of-the-art winery, all part of a larger vision for a total wine and entertainment experience.The estate combines an established vineyard producing grapes since the 1990s with a family-planted vineyard surrounding the homestead. (Image source from Levantine Hill Estate Offical Site)

Yarra Valley Victoria AU

The Yarra Valley is a renowned cool-climate wine region in Victoria, Australia, known for its diverse wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. Situated east of Melbourne, it's a popular destination for enotourism due to its proximity and established wineries. The region boasts a 170-year history, a wide range of microclimates, and a progressive wine-making community.