Yabby Lake stands out as one of the most esteemed wineries in the Mornington Peninsula, known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard’s journey began in 1998 when the Kirby family established the site in Tuerong, after an extensive search for the perfect location. With 50 hectares dedicated primarily to Pinot Noir (25 hectares) and Chardonnay (14 hectares), the family, who also owns a film production company, has expanded their reach by acquiring a vineyard in Tasmania in 2022.
Winemaker and general manager Tom Carson, who joined in 2008, brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Yering Station in the Yarra Valley. Under his guidance, Yabby Lake’s wines have thrived, particularly noted for their Pinot Noir, a varietal he has logged many vintages of in Burgundy.
Tom employs wild fermentation techniques for all the wines, shifting from the use of barrels to larger puncheons (500 liters) for fermentation. His approach to crafting Chardonnay includes using the full solids of the grapes and opting out of malolactic fermentation, favoring the Mendoza clone for its qualities when harvested at optimal ripeness.
For Pinot Noir, Tom varies the use of whole bunch fermentation significantly based on the vintage’s characteristics. He seeks to achieve a balance, avoiding excessive herbaceous notes while enhancing structure and aromatic complexity. Tom considers factors like grape variety and climate conditions each year to determine the right approach.
The winery also utilizes a mix of oak fermenters and stainless steel vessels, with the former helping to maintain consistent temperatures during fermentation, which enhances the wine’s tannins and structure.
In recent tastings, the winery has showcased remarkable wines, including:
- Yabby Lake Red Claw Chardonnay 2021: A fresh and vibrant wine with aromatic notes of flint and lime, showcasing purity and energetic acidity (92/100).
- Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022: Demonstrating impressive concentration with lively lemon and a dash of spice, this wine garners a score of (95/100).
- Yabby Lake Red Claw Pinot Noir 2022: Noted for its fine herbal aromas and a lovely, sappy texture, rated at (93/100).
- Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022: Exhibits elegance with strawberry and herbal hints, scoring (94/100).
- Yabby Lake Block 2 Pinot Noir 2022: Recognized for its depth and texture, balancing both elegance and concentration (95/100).
With ongoing innovations and a commitment to quality, Yabby Lake continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in Australia’s cool-climate wine landscape.