A winery with a hands-on approach at every aspect of the process, initially inspired by Europe’s finest single vineyard wine, Squitchy Lane Vineyard set out to make world class wines amongst their peers of the renowned Yarra Valley.
2019 Squitchy Lane Vineyard Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc on the label)
It’s so nice to see the Fumé style and story being championed, in a time when the pressure to sell wine to all demographics has undoubtedly suggested the more favourable Sauvignon Blanc title. I don’t know that for sure, but my guess is, it’s come up in conversation. The 2019 is an expression of untamed passionfruit vine, ripe succulent pineapple, and lemon guava with tiers of bay leaf, cut watercress and a mellow brush of oak. The use of oak fermentation adds just the right amount of density without pressing on the fruit. It’s a wine for some richer seafood dishes like Sole Meunière or heaven forbid lobster Thermidor, don’t laugh it’s ordered more than you think.
91 points
2019 Squitchy Lane Vineyard Chardonnay
There is a subtlety of fuzzy peach and apricot, lemon pith and green almonds. The full detail of the wine lies in the mouthfeel with nuances of yellow pear, lemon balm and a very moreish margarita salt finish. The high tones of the Yarra Valley fruit sit well here and make for a savoury Chardonnay full of aging potential. Drink with Manchego cheese and salty green olives.
90 points
2019 Squitchy Lane Vineyard ’The Key’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay
A barrel selection of the finest Chardonnay of the vintage. The perfume that hits you is immediate, a bit like finding your perfect scent at Jo Malone. In this case it’s honeysuckle, afternoon jasmine blooms, lemon curd and fresh baked croissants. The restraint we see in Estate Chardonnay stands true here but with the added intensity and perfume that really takes this wine to another level. It’s linear and yet the flavour carries on for days. Such a fine wine. Drink with white rind goats cheese, orchard fruits and garden herbs.
93 points
2017 Squitchy Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
All hail Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! Seriously for all those that don’t drink Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, I’ll happily take what you don’t want! The pedigree and intensity of abundant black fruit at the peak of season is alarming. It’s black cherries and mulberries, black currants, and figs with wild violets and nyon olives. The fine svelte like tannins are almost deceiving in that the wine feels smooth and supple but with the physique to go the long haul. Whoa I am totally seduced. An elegant and fine Cabernet Sauvignon drinking exceptionally well now and one I hope to see in 10 years or so. It’s got to be drunk with the best grass fed beef you can afford on a charcoal grill.
96 points
