Lance's Vineyard Pinot Noir Vertical

This vertical showcases three vintages (2016, 2018, 2019) from the same vineyard block, allowing you to experience how different weather patterns and bottle maturation affect Pinot Noir's expression. The fruit comes from vines planted as early as 1976, giving these wines exceptional depth and concentration that's rare in Yarra Valley Pinot. It's like having a masterclass in vintage variation right in your glass, perfect for understanding how this finicky grape responds to different growing conditions.

Unlike many Yarra Valley Pinots that are best enjoyed young, these wines from Lance's Vineyard are built for the long haul thanks to fruit from decades-old vines. Old vine Pinot Noir typically produces smaller berries with higher skin-to-juice ratios, resulting in more concentrated tannins and flavour compounds that act as natural preservatives. The museum release status of some bottles indicates they've already proven their ability to develop complexity over time, making them ideal candidates for cellaring another 5-10 years.

While all three share the vineyard's signature notes of plum, cherry, and spice, each vintage will express these differently based on seasonal conditions. The 2016 likely shows more developed tertiary flavours like violets and nutmeg from additional bottle age, while the 2018 and 2019 may display brighter cranberry and blackcurrant notes. The interplay of cloves and spice elements will vary, with cooler vintages typically showing more elegant, perfumed characteristics and warmer years displaying richer, more concentrated fruit flavours.

James Halliday's 94-point score places this wine in the 'outstanding' category, indicating exceptional quality that represents the top tier of Australian Pinot Noir. Halliday is particularly respected for his knowledge of cool-climate Australian wines, and such high scores for Pinot Noir are relatively rare given the variety's challenging nature. This rating, combined with the 'cult producer' status, suggests these wines offer complexity and finesse that rivals premium Burgundian examples, making them serious collectibles for Australian wine enthusiasts.

This collection offers the best of both worlds - the older 2016 is likely drinking beautifully now with developed complexity, while the 2018 and 2019 can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for further development. The museum release designation suggests these wines are already showing well, but their concentration from old vines means they'll continue evolving for years to come. For the full vertical experience, try them side-by-side now to appreciate the vintage differences, then cellar remaining bottles to witness how each continues to mature.