Ben Haines, Pinot Noir, Steels Creek + Tarrawarra, Yarra Valley, Australia 2023

100% Pinot Noir from the Nine One Six vineyard in Steels Creek, and the Denton Vineyard in Tarrawarra.

Organic. Hand harvested. A combination of fermentation treatments including whole bunch, whole berry, and carbonic maceration, and post-fermentation maceration ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, with zero SO2 added.

This delicious, low-alcohol pinot noir is resplendent with aromas of red fruits and berries, with a bright palate of sweet and savory herbs. 

Ben Haines is a boutique winemaker in Victoria’s Yarra Valley who is leading the charge in creating some of Australia’s most terroir-driven wines by sourcing fruit from what he refers to as “magic dirt”. His focus is spurred by creating an honest connection with place that ultimately has its unique character expressed in the glass.

The vineyards he chooses are those possessing great interest, charm, and depth, and that capture a sense of mystique. Having previously studied viticulture, Ben pays particularly close attention to what’s happening in each vineyard throughout the growing season.

At the forefront of Australia’s younger, minimal-intervention wine scene, Ben’s signature style each vintage is beautifully textured, low-alcohol wines that explore the varying terroir of Victoria and offer their drinkers a kaleidoscope of aromas.