From the ever reliable and value for money Yalumba Y Series comes their second release Pinot Noir. So, can you get a decent Pinot Noir for sub $20? There’s a few candidates out there, but they don’t always show their “Pinosity.” Do we have a new contender for the best value? Winemaker is Sam Wigan. Medium garnet. Red fruit and spices: strawberry, cherry boiled lollies, turned earth under a forest floor of dried leaves, sage leaves, forest fruits tea, pickled walnuts and tobacco edge. Medium in weight but deep with dark fruit and spice showing warm climate influences. The herbal twists and turns provide a little intrigue while the structure is forward and not what you would say is complex. Has appeal with a little velvet door mat of tannin to close. It’s not going to win any trophies, but it’s true to form for the Y Series: varietal flavours and incredible bang for buck. Bound to be found cheaper.

To be released in early 2023, winemaker Sam Wigan is pretty excited about this and sent a pre-release sneak peek my way. This is another Y Series bargain worth keeping an eye out for. The Pinot Noir market under $25 is hard to nail given the fruit isn't cheap along with the complexities of the variety. From the Riverland, this release is pretty smart. Sour cherries, strawberries and red cherries highlight a vibrant palate. Finely spiced, earthy and dried twigs add savoury appeal. That spice tickles a long and persistent finish. For a midweek tipple, I'd happily recommend this. It's very well done. Drink to three years.

There’s a smoky, charred meat aroma overlaying this Pinot at first sniff. It accompanies currant and cherry fruit, dried herbs, some stalky notes and very dark chocolate. Herbal, drying tannins wind around the tongue on the mid-weight palate, and that tart red berry and smoke character lingers.