Clare Burder is the unstoppable force behind Eminence Wines, one of Australia’s few méthode traditionelle sparkling wine grower-producers. Her parents planted the first block of vines on their Whitlands property in 1998, the highest and perhaps coldest vineyard in Victoria at 868m above sea level. The Whitlands plateau forms the western ridge of the King Valley and is made up of Cambrian Loam; a high nutrient red/brown free-draining soil. No herbicide or pesticide is used on the vines, only sustainable practices. The site produces concentrated fruit with a great balance of acidity, phenolic ripeness, and intensity of flavour. Clare helped with planting as a teenager and has continued to work in the expanding vineyard ever since. In 2008 she decided to make wine using their own fruit; so, with some help from the late sparkling wine guru Tony Jordan, Eminence Wines was born.

Aside from being a winemaker/vigneron, today she is a wine educator and presenter, published author, television host, small business entrepreneur, experienced panellist, MC, and speaker. Although most of the grapes from the family vineyard are sold, Clare keeps a small portion of the best quality, hand-picked fruit to create The Assembly range – charming Australian wines of finesse, elegance, character, and sheer deliciousness.

70% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier. Owing to the cool climate here, this is a lightweight red blend, with a silky, plush, supple mouthfeel. Without any new oak, it’s mostly primary, meaning that most of the flavours come from the grapes; but don’t confuse it for a simple, fruity wine - it’s got way more going on - hence the reference to it being ornate. Overall it’s super drinkable - delicious and pleasing. Being on the lighter end of the pinot noir spectrum, you’ll love this if you like Victorian pinot in general, but specifically Mornington or Macedon styles that tend to be a bit finer. Pinot Meunier has a similar profile to Gamay (but lighter) so if you’re into Gamay (who isn’t?) this would be worth a try also.