It’s always daunting/exciting when the first barrel-aged reds from last year start rolling in. It’s a sign that the year is getting on… and holy fuck it’s April already!

Luckily this Mandala Pinot Noir 2019 has a smooth, even, inviting textural roundness to it that is pure Yarra pleasure. It’s ripe, but not too ripe, raspberry fruited, unmistakably varietal and unmistakably Yarra Valley. At first glance you could skip past this and see it as a simple. But that’s missing the core appeal – that the balance between fruit, Pinot character and just-right acidity all fits, hand in glove. Even after 3 days open in the fridge this was holding, still lobbing up pleasure, still awfully well priced.

Yes. Best drinking: go now, but don’t worry if you find a bottle in five years time. 18/20, 93/100. 13.4%, $30. Would I buy it? Let’s line up a bottle and I’ll empty it with you. At this price, I’m happy to pay.