A benchmark expression of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, the 2022 Block 2 release from Yabby Lake showcases the power, precision and pedigree of this remarkable site in the Moorooduc subregion of the Mornington Peninsula. From the lowest-yielding vintage in the estate’s history, this wine represents the pinnacle of Yabby Lake’s Single Block program—and is only made in truly exceptional years.
Block 2 Pinot Noir is only released in spectacular vintages. There will be no 2023 or 2024 release. A 2025 may follow—but nothing is confirmed until harvest is complete.
Block 2 is planted exclusively to MV6 clone, with vines just metres from neighbouring Block 1—yet it consistently delivers darker fruit, more brooding spice and greater depth. Fruit was hand-picked and destemmed into traditional French oak cuves, naturally fermented after a five-day cold soak. The wine remained on skins for 16 days before being pressed into tight-grain French oak puncheons for malolactic fermentation and maturation. Bottled in February 2023 without fining.
The nose is vivid and deeply perfumed—black cherry, Asian spice and violet florals. The palate is poised and richly textured, offering dark berries, bitter chocolate, roasted spice and subtle cedar. Raw silk tannins weave through the core, with acidity drawing the wine to a powerful, mineral-edged finish. Complex, age-worthy and strikingly detailed.
Small-Batch Detail
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Block: Block 2, MV6 clone
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Region: Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula
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Vineyard Planted: 1998
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Fermentation: Natural, French oak cuves
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Skin Contact: 16 days
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Oak Maturation: French oak puncheons (tight grain), until Feb 2023
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Alcohol: 13.5% approx. (not explicitly listed)
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Cellaring: 8–12 years
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Closure: Screwcap
Accolades
⭐ 97 Points – Halliday Wine Companion, Jane Faulkner
“Supple yet powerful… dark cherries, roasted spice, bitter chocolate and cedar—infused with raw silk tannins and stunning structure.”
⭐ 96 Points – James Suckling
“Deeply scented… damson plum, blood orange, cocoa, tobacco and dried herbs. A complex and precise Pinot built to age.”
FinePinot Note
A masterclass in clonal precision and micro-site expression, this is one of Australia’s great single-block Pinots. Silken yet intense, structured yet effortless. Limited production and no guaranteed follow-up vintage make this 2022 release a rare collector’s item. Pair with truffled duck, roast quail or wild mushroom dishes.
