2022 Pinot Noir, Ben Haines

We started working with ace Aussie winemaker Ben Haines two years ago. In that period, few producers have garnered as much praise from the press as Ben.  

In recent months, both the Guardian and Decanter have lauded Ben’s reds, which we love for their bright fruit character, energy and, yes, their friendly price. 

Soft-spoken and thoughtful, Ben Haines earned his stripes at Mount Langi Ghiran, a Grampians estate acclaimed for its Shiraz.  

From the 2020 vintage, Ben began bottling under his own name from a base on the outskirts of Melbourne, sourcing fruit from friends in the Grampians and Yarra Valley. And his star continues to rise with every vintage. 

Ben focuses on cooler sites, most of them organically farmed, and has a gossamer touch in the winery. His modus operandi includes early harvesting, gentle pressing, a proportion of whole-bunch for both Pinot and Shiraz, ambient yeast, little or no new oak (he favours used 500-600L puncheons) and minimal SO2 added. His wines are unfined and unfiltered, yet pristine.  

So it was no surprise to us, when Ben’s 2022 Pinot Noir received a glowing write-up from Tina Gellie in June’s Decanter.

Ben’s is a fragrant, fine-boned Pinot that will please Burgundy-enthusiasts but has broad appeal. It’s a favourite of ours for summer drinking, and a versatile food match – equally at home with anything from salade niçoise to barbecued burgers.