Established in 2001, Sticks has been the Yarra Valley's quiet achiever for over 20 years now. That said, our years of quiet determination haven't gone unnoticed; these days, we stand as one of the Yarra Valley's most well-known wineries, crafting the wines the Yarra does best. After setting up stumps in the Yarra Valley in 2003, Anthony Fikkers has worked for a swag of Yarra Valley wineries including Giant Steps, De Bortoli, Mac Forbes and Medhurst, and somehow found time for stints in France, Italy and Germany along the way. He’s a man with plenty of cred, the highest of skills, the sharpest of wits and the purest of palates.

Sticks Yarra Valley is beautifully situated on a single site in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an hour’s drive from Melbourne. The Winery and Cellar Door, which are nestled in to the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges.

Dark berries, violet and mocha, some leafiness. Medium-bodied, good volume of fruit with tobacco savouries, slightly chunky tannin, but lovely flavour all up in a thoroughly regional style. Finish is solid. You’re doing very well at the price here. A few years in the cellar will do it a favour too.