Little Reddie is Pat Underwood's label, made from fruit grown at Willoughby Bridge and the Chalmers vineyard in Heathcote and Colbinabbin. This wine is a blend of Nebbiolo and Refosco, two Italian varieties that have found a compelling home in central Victoria's red volcanic soils. The Nebbiolo came exclusively from the new Chalmers vineyard planting, the remnants after Pat had classified his row selection for the Pat Underwood wines, and the Refosco from Willoughby Bridge's A and A-W blocks.

The first pick of the year was Willoughby Bridge A Block on 8 February, direct pressed to rosé with the latter part of the press fermented dry in barrel and later blended in. Unusually, the Nebbiolo preceded the Refosco harvest owing to very low yields. The macerated Nebbiolo portions and press fractions from all Colbinabbin reds were combined and aged in various stainless and oak vessels according to their individual needs, with temperature and oxygen exposure managed to suit the tannin qualities of each component. The wine was blended and returned to barrel for a short period prior to bottling. Some sulphur added.

The result is a wine that sits comfortably in the chilled red category without being lightweight: Nebbiolo's perfume and fine tannin structure, Refosco's dark fruit and grip, and the freshness that comes from careful, attentive winemaking. A genuinely interesting combination from one of Heathcote's most thoughtful producers.