Coming Soon - 2023 Wantirna Estate Lily Pinot Noir

2025 marks 62 years since the first vines were planted at Wantirna Estate, established in 1963 on an east-facing slope in Melbourne's southeastern outskirts. Once a mix of orchards, bush, and grasslands, the vineyard thrives today under the care of Maryann, Reg's daughter, though Reg remains actively involved. The wines, named after his four grandchildren, feature labels illustrated by Michael Leunig, reflecting each grandchild's personality, a heartfelt touch to this family-run estate.

The vineyard's three distinct Pinot Noir blocks, covering just ten acres, are hand-harvested separately, often with up to two weeks between harvest dates. The mature block, with vines from the early 1970s, contributes savory tones and fine tannins. The Front block adds spice, while the Fruit Tree block offers generous fruitiness. Blended together, these components create the complex Pinot Noir style Wantirna Estate is renowned for.

Other Reviews....
A deep and brightly coloured crimson purple. Both to look at and smell, this is a concentrated and complex Wantirna pinot that's going to need some time. Aromas of black cherry, damson plum and dried red rose petals lead onto the palate, which is densely packed, structured and very long. Have it with food now, for sure, but those who still have some five to ten years from now will be very well rewarded. Drink 2026-2035.
96+ points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Wine Companion

I visited Wantirna Estate around this time last year, and didn’t taste any wine, rather we had tea and biscuits on the porch. Lovely. It’s a vineyard as a garden, if you take my meaning, The place has a sense of intimacy and it’s a world away from many larger producers. 130 dozen produced using very light weight bottles at that. Yay!
Raspberry, red cherry, mint, cedar, pencils and spice, something of a potpourri perfume too. It’s medium-bodied, all red fruits, a little spicy and autumnal, fresh raspberry crunch to acidity, with a firmness to tannin that offers grainy grip, finishing a little sappy with lively acidity, savoury flavours, and excellent length. Oak still shows a little too much as at now, but this is a strong release, and I like the ‘mineral’ character it offers too. Drink 2027-2034+.
95 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

The 2023 Lily Pinot Noir leads with cherry and cranberry, moss and tobacco, with layers of damp earth and exotic spice. This is beautiful. In the mouth, the wine is silky, with fine, pliable tannins that shape the course of the fruit across the tongue. The acidity is woven gently throughout and offers a delicacy and laciness that I find highly attractive. This is such a gorgeous wine. 13.6% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2038.
96 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate