Halliday Wine Companion Results Are In
There’s something pretty special about seeing your wines written up by people you respect—especially when they’ve taken the time to really understand what’s in the glass.
The latest results from the Halliday Wine Companion have landed, and we’re genuinely thrilled with how the wines have shown. Across Pinot Noir, Shiraz and our whites, there’s a real thread of site, season and style coming through.
Here’s a closer look at the wines that caught the attention of Philip Rich this year.
The Smuggler 2023 Single Clone Pinot Noir – 97 Points (Special Value)
Made entirely from the Abel clone (the infamous ‘gumboot’ clone), this is a wine with both story and substance.
It opens with pure red cherry, raspberry and rose petal, before moving into a more savoury, spiced edge. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive texture, and those tannins—pliable and ripe—suggest it’s built for the long haul.
Decant if you’re opening it now, or tuck a few bottles away and forget about them for a while.
👉 Find out more about this wine
Project 943 2023 Single Clone Pinot Noir – 96 Points (Special Value)
Our most structured and powerful Pinot Noir in the lineup.
From 100% 943 clone, this wine leans into darker fruit, warm spice and a touch of crushed violets. There’s real density here, but it’s carried with energy and precision.
Give it a couple of years in the cellar, and it’ll really start to stretch out.
👉Find out more about this wine
Range View 2022 Single Clone Pinot Noir (Pommard) – 95 Points
A more savoury, quietly confident style of Pinot Noir.
This one sits a little tighter on the nose at first, but opens beautifully on the palate—showing earthy depth, fine structure and classic Pommard tannins.
A wine for those who enjoy Pinot with a bit of edge and longevity.
👉 Find out more about this wine
Long Walk 2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir – 95 Points (Special Value)
Bright, energetic, and exactly what we love about Yarra Valley Pinot.
Strawberry, red cherry and lifted florals lead the way, supported by fine tannins and a fresh acid line. It’s approachable, but plenty is going on underneath.
A bit of a crowd favourite—and for good reason.
👉 Find out more about Long Walk Pinot Noir
Zenith Single Vineyard Reserve Shiraz 2022 – 96 Points (Special Value)
From the highest rows of Shiraz on the estate, this is a cooler-climate take on a classic.
Red and black fruits, white pepper and violets give way to a richly fruited, structured palate. It’s generous, but still composed—something we always aim for.
Enjoy now with food, or let it evolve over the next decade or so.
👉 Find out more about Zenith Shiraz
Candlebark Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2025 – 95 Points (Special Value)
Barrel fermented and matured, this Pinot Gris is all about texture and quiet complexity.
Pear, apple and jasmine sit on the nose, while the palate is layered, dry and finishes with a subtle chalky edge.
A beautiful match for food—or just a long afternoon.
👉 Find out more about Candlebark Pinot Gris
Luminosa Fiano 2025 Heathcote – 92 Points
A wine we’re really enjoying watching evolve.
Apricot, rock melon and a hint of citrus come together in a soft, gently mouth-filling style. Balanced, easy to drink, and a nice change of pace.
👉 FInd out more about Luminosa Fiano
We don’t make wine for scores—but we’ll happily take them when they come.
And a proper nod to our team—vineyard and winery alike. This is the result of consistency, hard work, and a lot of care over time.
We’re proud of what’s in the glass.
Cheers,
The Helen’s Hill Team
