The wines of Bindi, Macedon Ranges, Victoria

The wines of Bindi
Serious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Australia's Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges of Victoria are officially the coolest climate wine region in mainland Australia. Just an hour north of Melbourne, the combination of altitude and strong winds make this a chilly place for viticulture. But it is precisely these climatic extremes that help Michael Dhillon at Bindi make two of Australia’s most sought-after Pinot Noirs: the Bindi Block 5 and Original Vineyard Pinot Noir. As if that were not enough, the Chardonnays are brilliant, too. The vines were first planted here on the family property in 1988 by Michael’s father, and fortunately for Michael, who is now working with biodynamics, the terroir proved to be an excellent one. This is surely one of Australia’s top producers.

Bindi Composition Chardonnay 2008
Rich, intense, toasty, mineral nose. The palate is concentrated and intense with powerful flavours of pear, fig and spice, as well as some toastiness and fresh acidity. A lovely complex Chardonnay. 92/100 (04/10)

Bindi Quartz Chardonnay 2008
Fresh nose with mineral, citrus and toast notes. The palate is intense, fresh, taut and mineral with appealing citrus fruit. This is so bold, mineral and fresh. It's profound. 95/100 (04/10)

Bindi Composition Pinot Noir 2008
Pale colour – a little cloudy. Beautifully aromatic with warm cherry and spice notes on the palate, some sweetness, and a hint of leafy greenness. Very fresh and supple. Beautiful stuff. 93/100 (04/10)

Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir 2008
Sweet, intense, floral cherry and herb nose. Aromatic and fresh with a hint of meat. The palate is sweetly fruited and elegant with rich cherry fruit, subtle sappiness and a long finish. An extraordinary wine: rich but elegant. 95/100 (04/10)

Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir 2007 (tasted blind, note as written)
Rich but fresh cherry fruit nose with some spicy, medicinal notes, and hints of plum, herbs and ginger. The palate is ripe with soy and cola notes under the rich yet still restrained red berry fruits. Finishes spicy. 89/100 (06/09)