Helen's Hill, Yarra Valley, Victoria
Truly great wine results from a partnership between the land and the people who nurture it. At Helen’s Hill Estate our 100% family owned vineyard and winery carefully balances traditional values and modern efficiency to make exceptional cool climate wines.
The site which we now called Helen’s Hill was up until 1996 unkempt pasture land that had pretty much been neglected for many years. After extensive soil testing, consideration of prevailing aspects and micro climates the family purchased the vacant 150 acres and embarked on transforming the land into one of Yarra Valley’s finest vineyards.
The vineyard is located well above the valley floor on the Southern Ranges of the Yarra Valley some 140 metres above sea level. It is a long (2.5 km) and relatively skinny (0.8 km) block that has a number of hills running across the property.
It is these hills that provide the different soil types and micro climates that allow us to match the "terroir” conditions to the different varieties of wine grapes that we grow.
Planting wine grape vines in their right "terroir” location is not only the first step, it is singularly the most important step in growing great fruit and ultimately great wine. Judging by the success of our wines we feel confident that we are on, pardon the pun, solid ground.
'First Light' MV6 Clone Pinot Noir 2021
Single Vineyard. Single Site. Single Clone. Single Focus.
Made entirely from the MV6 clone, our Old Block Reserve Pinot Noir truly reflects the unique characteristics of Australia’s very own Pinot Noir clone. (The MV6 clone was propagated in Griffiths, MV stands for Mother Vine, the original vines were propagated from cuttings from the famed Clos Vougeot vineyard in France’s Burgundy region.) The vines in the old block were planted in 1980, so are well into the 3rd decade, and as such require minimal work with regard to monitoring fruit loads. By the very fact that they are old and gnarly means that they are by nature low yielding and consistently express both varietal and terroir characteristic’s with the minimum of fuss. In terms of flavour profile, the MV6 clone is famous for the deep cherry and dark strawberry characters with hints of spice. Firm tannins but more back palate orientated. Unlike the Pommard clone that expresses meaty, gamey characters, the MV6 clone has a more savoury tone to its flavour profile. Dried fruits, herbs and spice. A more elegant and complex nose and palate.
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