Never thought I'd writing about a winery in Mernda, the home of 'value' house and land packages, but here we are!

The Valla family began planting vines on the family cattle farm in 2019 with the focus on Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. Predictable enough but of course these varieties have a proven track record in this part of the world. Five Vineyard doesn't sit in any particular GI although it is ~5km from the western boundary of the Yarra Valley and 10km east of the Sunbury region.

A recent tasting with Sam Valla proved to be quite the eye opener. I didn't have huge expectations (young vines, unproven terrior) but happy to report that I was taught a lesson on making assumptions (again!). The Estate Range, in particular, demonstrates a well handled balancing act of value, drinkability and competent winemaking.

The standout was the Reserve Shiraz 2022 $54, built from vines a mere 3yrs old (first commercial crop). Juicy fruit that never mis-steps with mineral streaks and great purity and lift. More than a hint of Craiglee here I reckon (true dinks!).

Five Onyx Chardonnay 2024 
Tangy and fresh; light touch, citrus; harmless and works at the price. 

Five Vineyard 'Estate' Chardonnay 2024 $27
Bigger in the palate; some softness from malo and oak. Good going, 

Five Reserve Chardonnay 2024 
Barrel selection; 4 barrels; some cream and bigger body; nice softness and fruit sweetness; quite handy. 

Onyx Rose 2024 
Not 'dry dry' but perhaps close enough. Fruit weight builds late. 87

Five Rose 2024 
Less fruit, dry but maybe lacks a little character? 87

Estate Pinot Noir 2024 $27
First commercial vintage. Sweet early but firms with savoury notes. Very crowd pleaser but a decent wine. 

Estate Sangiovese 2024 
Fruit forward; needs more varietal character to be truly interesting. Needs more structure but as a easy drinking red works ok. 

Onyx Shiraz 2023 
Light, juicy, uncomplicated. Fair going at the price. 

Estate Shiraz 2024 $27
Firmer, slightly more structure; darker fruits.