INSIDER'S PICK: 2015 SEVILLE ESTATE PINOT NOIR YARRA VALLEY 'THE BARBER'

With the assault of large volume 'critter labels' from Australia over the years, it's easy to forget that there is more to their wine industry than Shiraz and heavily fruited wines from warm dry growing climates. It would be like saying Italian food is all about pasta and red sauces. Victoria surrounds Melbourne and is a relatively mild climate, receiving cooling influences from both the Tasman Sea and Great Australian Bight. The conditions are similar to some of the Californian coastal regions and South Africa's Cape, which are both well regarded for their production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. The Yarra Valley sits just outside the city, much as Napa does with San Francisco/Oakland, and their wine industry has evolved into a tremendous travel destination as well as their 'eat local' food and farm to table scene. Their biggest problem for us East Coasters is that there are so many other sources for their style of wine between here and there; we have direct lines from Burgundy, South Africa, California, and Oregon that flood our market with all sorts of spectacular wines. This wine we are offering deserves attention at its usual mid-$20 retail price, but it was getting lost in the shuffle, so we have the chance to bring it to you for a little bit better price. OK, a LOT better price.

A dusty black cherry color in the glass with lots of racy dark fruits and cola on the nose, on first look this could easily be a wine out of Carneros. On the palate the flavors are equally inspiring, with plenty of mouthfeel and super-fine tannins that barely dust up on the finish. The black fruits and cherry skins show through more than any sweeter fruits, and the relatively restrained 13.4% abv means this is not a fruit bomb that could be mistaken for Syrah; honestly, they have enough Syrah/Shiraz down there already, they don't need their Pinot masquerading as one. A very welcome, food friendly and polished wine that brings a lot of that region's character into focus. Even if you don't enjoy THIS Victorian Pinot in the future (a one time offering at this price), it should encourage more of you to explore the diversity they can provide.

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