Tasting Notes
In 2017 the visceral reaction to the sudden death of Ian was to produce a wine in his honour. This was a tiny batch of Pinot Noir drawn from a portion of the oldest Pinot vines on the property, and a third drawn from the newest MV6 young vines. This blend represented something of the snake eating its own tail – the Ouroboros or symbol for eternal cyclic renewal. In other words, recognition that Gembrook Hill had become a legacy vineyard for our family. The IJM, Ian James Marks, was made as a pure expression of site, matured in old French oak to allow terroir to shine through. A quintessential vigneron's wine, to reflect Ian's passion for the vineyard. - Winery Note
Gembrook Hill is one of the Yarra Valley’s most distinguished cool-climate producers, established in 1983 by Ian and June Marks on the rolling slopes near Gembrook at the southern end of the valley. From the outset, their vision was to craft wines of finesse and longevity that reflected the region’s unique terroir of mountain ash loams, high altitude and cool conditions.
The vineyard is planted to classic varieties—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot—managed with sustainable practices and a focus on low yields. Over the years, Gembrook Hill has become especially celebrated for its Pinot Noir, which shows remarkable fragrance, fine structure and the capacity to age gracefully. The Chardonnay, too, is a benchmark for restraint and mineral detail, while the Sauvignon Blanc has long been regarded as one of the finest examples of the variety in Australia.
Today the estate is guided by winemaker Andrew Marks, who continues the family legacy with a thoughtful, light-handed approach in the cellar: wild ferments, judicious oak, and an emphasis on balance and texture. Gembrook Hill’s wines remain true to their origins—elegant, expressive and firmly established as classics of the Yarra Valley.
| Product Type | Wine Red Pinot Noir |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Victoria |
| Sub Region | Yarra Valley |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |