In this secluded arm of the Yarra Valley, there are 5 acres of pinot noir only vines, planted more than 20 years ago. The soils are a distillation of the primordial Gondwana landscape. The alchemy of broken clay and grey loam is the foundation.

THE STORY
In this secluded arm of the Yarra Valley, there are 5 acres of pinot noir only vines, planted more than 20 years ago. The soils are a distillation of the primordial Gondwana landscape. The alchemy of broken clay and grey loam is the foundation for the 916 Pinot Noir vines.

Harvest is deliberately limited in quantity, entirely handpicked, and segmented by distinctive fruit characters. Vintages are only produced in years of unobjectionable conditions.

Winemaking is driven by connection with place, and exploring the character and potential of the fruit and vineyard.

Provenance and authenticity is of great importance; from where in the vineyard, to exact ferments, to barrels from a particular forest, to precise cellaring conditions.

Counterfeit wine exists and is on the increase. 916 Pinot Noir has a transparent production and supply chain. Each bottle can be validated using its unique serial number, and then provenance detail is shared.

The story really is about balance. Balance is part of the philosophy: in the vineyard – about responding, and acting proactively, to grow the best fruit; and in the winemaking – a balance between old world and new world, respect for provenance and looking to the future.

The 916 visual identity is designed to reflect balance: and to turn the bottle, and cork, even upside down, the numerals are still recognisably 916.