Yabby Lake Vineyard
Summary
Established in 1998 by the Kirby family, Yabby Lake Vineyard is a 100-acre estate in Mornington Peninsula's Tuerong sub-region, focusing on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in sandy clay loams that create distinctive mineral profiles. Under winemaker Tom Carson's leadership since 2008, their block-by-block approach to viticulture and minimal-intervention winemaking has helped define the region's potential, exemplified by their 2012 Block 1 Pinot Noir becoming the first of its variety to win the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy.
Heritage & Leadership
Yabby Lake Vineyard was established in 1998 by the Kirby family, who planted their first vines in the Tuerong sub-region of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. The vineyard takes its name from the freshwater crayfish that inhabit the property's dam. Under the continued ownership of the Kirby family, Yabby Lake has maintained its focus on single-vineyard expressions of cool-climate varieties.
The winemaking program has been led by Chief Winemaker Tom Carson since 2008. Carson, previously of Yering Station, brought significant experience in cool-climate viticulture to Yabby Lake. His leadership marked a pivotal development for the winery, particularly in refining their single-block program. In 2013, Yabby Lake achieved a notable milestone when their 2012 Block 1 Pinot Noir became the first Pinot Noir to win the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in the award's 52-year history. The Kirby family's wine portfolio also includes Heathcote Estate, established in 1999 in the Heathcote region of Victoria.
## Vineyards & Wines
Yabby Lake's primary vineyard spans approximately 100 acres in Tuerong on the northern end of the Mornington Peninsula. The property sits at elevations ranging from 25 to 80 meters above sea level, with predominantly north and east-facing aspects that maximize sun exposure in this cool maritime climate. The vineyard is planted primarily to Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (30%), with smaller plantings of Pinot Gris and Syrah.
The soils at Yabby Lake consist mainly of sandy clay loams over yellow clay subsoils, with areas of sandy loam over limestone. These soil profiles contribute to the distinctive mineral character found in their wines. The vineyard is divided into specific blocks based on subtle variations in aspect, soil composition, and clonal selection, allowing for precise management and individual block harvesting.
The winery produces several distinct ranges, including their flagship Single Block Release wines (made only in exceptional vintages), the Single Vineyard range, and the more accessible Red Claw series. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have gained particular recognition for their site-specific expression and structural precision.
## Philosophy & Practice
Yabby Lake's approach centers on meticulous vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking to express site character. All fruit is hand-harvested in small batches, often with multiple picking passes through each vineyard block to ensure optimal ripeness. In the winery, Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed directly to French oak barrels (typically 20-30% new) for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging on lees for 11 months.
For their Pinot Noir production, the winery employs varying percentages of whole bunches depending on the vintage and block characteristics. Fermentation occurs in small open fermenters with gentle hand plunging, followed by aging in French oak barrels (25-35% new) for 11-14 months. The Single Block wines receive additional attention, with specific barrel selection and slightly longer aging protocols.
The vineyard management focuses on balanced vine growth and controlled yields, typically maintaining production at 2-5 tons per acre depending on the variety and intended wine quality level. Canopy management techniques are tailored to each block's specific microclimate, with particular attention to shade and airflow in the fruit zone. This block-by-block approach extends from viticulture through to bottling, reflecting the winery's commitment to expressing the distinctive characteristics of their Mornington Peninsula terroir.
Vineyards & Wines
Yabby Lake's primary vineyard spans approximately 100 acres in Tuerong on the northern end of the Mornington Peninsula. The property sits at elevations ranging from 25 to 80 meters above sea level, with predominantly north and east-facing aspects that maximize sun exposure in this cool maritime climate. The vineyard is planted primarily to Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (30%), with smaller plantings of Pinot Gris and Syrah.
The soils at Yabby Lake consist mainly of sandy clay loams over yellow clay subsoils, with areas of sandy loam over limestone. These soil profiles contribute to the distinctive mineral character found in their wines. The vineyard is divided into specific blocks based on subtle variations in aspect, soil composition, and clonal selection, allowing for precise management and individual block harvesting.
The winery produces several distinct ranges, including their flagship Single Block Release wines (made only in exceptional vintages), the Single Vineyard range, and the more accessible Red Claw series. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have gained particular recognition for their site-specific expression and structural precision.
## Philosophy & Practice
Yabby Lake's approach centers on meticulous vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking to express site character. All fruit is hand-harvested in small batches, often with multiple picking passes through each vineyard block to ensure optimal ripeness. In the winery, Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed directly to French oak barrels (typically 20-30% new) for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging on lees for 11 months.
For their Pinot Noir production, the winery employs varying percentages of whole bunches depending on the vintage and block characteristics. Fermentation occurs in small open fermenters with gentle hand plunging, followed by aging in French oak barrels (25-35% new) for 11-14 months. The Single Block wines receive additional attention, with specific barrel selection and slightly longer aging protocols.
The vineyard management focuses on balanced vine growth and controlled yields, typically maintaining production at 2-5 tons per acre depending on the variety and intended wine quality level. Canopy management techniques are tailored to each block's specific microclimate, with particular attention to shade and airflow in the fruit zone. This block-by-block approach extends from viticulture through to bottling, reflecting the winery's commitment to expressing the distinctive characteristics of their Mornington Peninsula terroir.
Philosophy & Practice
Yabby Lake's approach centers on meticulous vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking to express site character. All fruit is hand-harvested in small batches, often with multiple picking passes through each vineyard block to ensure optimal ripeness. In the winery, Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed directly to French oak barrels (typically 20-30% new) for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging on lees for 11 months.
For their Pinot Noir production, the winery employs varying percentages of whole bunches depending on the vintage and block characteristics. Fermentation occurs in small open fermenters with gentle hand plunging, followed by aging in French oak barrels (25-35% new) for 11-14 months. The Single Block wines receive additional attention, with specific barrel selection and slightly longer aging protocols.
The vineyard management focuses on balanced vine growth and controlled yields, typically maintaining production at 2-5 tons per acre depending on the variety and intended wine quality level. Canopy management techniques are tailored to each block's specific microclimate, with particular attention to shade and airflow in the fruit zone. This block-by-block approach extends from viticulture through to bottling, reflecting the winery's commitment to expressing the distinctive characteristics of their Mornington Peninsula terroir.