Innocent Bystander’s Steve Flamsteed toasts the cream of the Yarra Valley 2011 crop & talks surplus

In my fourth video interview this week focused on Australia’s 2011 vintage, I talk to Steve Flamsteed of Innocent Bystander/Giant Steps about the Yarra Valley.

Despite swingeing crop losses – the harvest was down by around 40% – Flamsteed had plenty to smile about when we discussed which varieties performed best.   He reckons “the Chardonnay was the best they’ve ever picked” and, like Bill Downie and Nick Farr (see here and here), was very upbeat about Pinot Noir, also Shiraz.

Click here to see my interview with Flamsteed and check out my tasting notes on Innocent Bystander’s latest releases below.  These are sophisticated wines for the money (RRP £12.99), well worth seeking out.  Contact Liberty Wines for stockists.

Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato 2011 (Yarra Valley)

I can see why Flamsteed was also excited by the Moscato in 2011.  This gently sparkling, gently sweet Moscato is fabulously expressive and perfumed with rose petals, orange peel and fresh ginger to its nose and juicy, grapey palate.  Palate cleansing fresh acidity deftly balances the sweetness, lending a sorbet like clarity to this finely crafted but fun fizz. (RRP £6.99/half bottle).

Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris 2010 (Yarra Valley)

A characterful, satisfying Pinot Gris with a nice weight of pear fruit and sweet and spicy mandarin flesh and peel, the latter bringing pithy texture and balance.  With its soft acidity it’s not one to keep, but will make very pleasurable drinking now and over the next year or so.

Innocent Bystander Chardonnay 2010 (Yarra Valley)

A tight nose and palate with a seasoning of spicy oak shows good citrus drive and underlying minerality.  Good line and length.  Quietly impressive.

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2010 (Yarra Valley)

A very grown up Pinot Noir for £12.99 with good depth of fleshy plum fruit layered with earthier beetroot, cheroot and spice.  Suede tannins add gentle grip and a nice touch of gravitas.

Innocent Bystander Syrah 2009 (Yarra Valley)

Love the peppery, meaty grunt to this plummy Shiraz; ripe but present tannins make for a textured, savoury wine.  And despite the “grunt,” juicy and fleshy, it’s quite elegant with too.