Mandala Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019

Mandala is one of the newer names in the Yarra Valley, despite planting their first vines in 1999. Winemaker Charles Smedley is a thinker. He does not go down the usual winemaking route and the wines are better for it, generally on the funky, even feral side, in a good way.

This is the best Pinot Noir yet under their Yarra Valley label. It is light cherry red; pretty, subtle, stalky and savoury. Lifted wild strawberry, Chinese five spice and rhubarb fruits lead to a lovely, bright, fresh, seamless, complex and understated palate with a lingering finish driven by some crisp acidity. Great wine to buy by the case and enjoy its evolution over the next 5 years.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Criticauthor and publisher