Fighting Gully Road

Mark Walpole and partner Carolyn De Poi began the development of their Aquila Audax Vineyard in 1997. It is situated between 530m and 580m above sea level: the upper-eastern slopes are planted to pinot noir and the warmer western slopes to cabernet sauvignon; there are also small quantities of shiraz, tempranillo, sangiovese and merlot. JAMES HALLIDAY

Mark Walpole is a Victorian wine industry legend and perhaps the most respected viticulturalist in the state (backed up by winning the prestigious Gourmet Wine Traveller Viticulturalist of the Year in 2017). He and Adrian Rodda work hand in hand on their projects with Mark heading up the vineyard side of things (obviously) while the extremely talented Adrian runs their winery. These are some of the more expressive and exciting wines going around and everyone should get on board. ROSCOE