|
|
|
The term Terra rossa means red earth, a rich, free draining soil that is considered by many as the viticultural equivalent of discovering gold. Beneath the strata of red earth at Wrattonbully sits a layer of ancient limestone, a winegrower's dream as it allows free drainage of water, yet ensures vine roots stay close to the surface, putting natural stress on the vine and limiting its vigor and yield. Smith Hooper» |
|
A vigorous diction of new world Chardonnay, framed within a tasteful veneer of judicious oak, crafted by an artisanal winery that's claimed best white and best red wine trophies, as judged amongst peers at the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association. Willow Creek offers a stylishly proportioned palate, finishing as crisp as the maritime winds which enthuse the Peninsula. Willow Creek» |
|
Stoney Rise is all about drinkability, the creation of complex, fully approachable food friendly wines, without any excessive oak or uber ripeness. Pinot Noir goes into the oldest barrels available to soften the tannins and refine textures without overpowering the sensual fruit characters. Stoney Rise» |
|
The seemingly countless, memorable vintages of Delatite have claimed a litany of trophies, accolades and rave reviews throughout the world of wine. Her first vines were planted in 1968 on a picturesque rise overlooking the vistas of Mt Buller. Delatite» |
|
The inaugural release of Hanging Rock Shiraz was vintage 1987 and what an event it was, immediately claiming gold and inspiring comparisons to Grange by the industry press. From from fruit grown to the estate Athols Paddock, a complex Heathcote style, more Syrah than Shiraz, boasting several trophies and over fifty gold to its distinguished history, big, powerful and rich, yet exhibiting an elegance and finesse that's rare in Australian wine. Hanging Rock» |
|
Metala was the first ever to win Jimmy Watson Trophy, a significant accolade in the world of wine. Fruit for the White Label is sourced from splendid Langhorne Creek vines which can trace a heritage back to the original plantings of 1891. Metala» |
|
Villa Maria possess the magic touch with Pinot Gris, regularly clearing international wine events of prestigious trophies. Private Bin has been included in the Decanter Top 50 Best Under £10 and identified as a Decanter favourite. Villa Maria» |
|
After several decades of crafting Australia's most memorable vintages, Mike Press is more sanguine than ever that great wine can only come from the finest vineyards. His dedicated hands on approach means that he is personally involved in every stage of the winemaking, from pruning the vines and inspecting grapes, right to plunging the ferments and bottling his finished wine. Mike Press» |
|
A wine of pure Barossa fruit by a master who loves Shiraz and is devoted to the valley he calls home. Grant Burge has been awarded every major trophy and medal in Australia, including the Montgomery, Stodart, Brisbane Club and Jimmy Watson. Grant Burge» |
|
The marvelous S1 block is a sheltered, relatively warm site within the splendid vistas of Seaview Vineyard, on a north facing plateau at 160m above sea level, refreshed by maritime winds that blow in from the Cludy Bay coast. Fruit is crushed and destemmed, chilled and gently pressed, the clearest juices are racked off for a long, cool ferment to capture the full opulence of S1 vineyard grapes on the vine. Yealands Estate» |
|
There are two superb high altitude sites in Carey Gully and Piccadilly Valley, which yield an extraordinary quality of Sauvignon Blanc. Knappstein take the top cut of each harvest, crushing the fruit for a long cool vinification, treating a batch to the added richness of oak barrel ferments for texture, complexity and weight. Riposte» |
|
Twice Gold Medal Challenge International du Vin! Moscatel and Gewürtztraminer grapes, grown to estate vineyards on the mountains of the Upper Penedes, form the backbone of fruit for Viña Esmeralda, a delicate but strunningly fragrant wine. The dry fig and raisin characters of Moscatel de AlejandrÃa give Esmerelda it's luscious and flavourful palate, fleshed out by the orange of Frontignac or Moscatel de Grano Menudo as the Spanish say, further enhanced by the complex aromaticness and spice of the vivacious Traminer.. Torres» |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Lenton Brae - the Winery
Lenton Brae
Bruce and Jeanette Tomlinson established Lenton Brae Estate in 1982, the site of the vineyard being chosen after a chance conversation with Bill Pannell, owner of neighbouring Moss Wood
The Lenton Brae vineyard is in the Wilyabrup sub-region. Wilyabrup was the site chosen for the first vine plantings in 1967 and is acknowledged as the epicenter for superior Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. The white varieties of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon also perform well. The best soils in Wilyabrup (and Lenton Brae) are a gravelly loam of a depth 500 – 800mm over a clay base. The varieties selected for planting were Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Pinot Noir was also originally planted but has since been removed to increase the acreage of the preferred Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The name Lenton Brae comes from the chapel district of Lenton in Nottingham, England. It is from here that the first Tomlinson’s migrated to Australia in 1882. Brae is a Scottish term for a small hill, which is what the Wilyabrup vineyard is situated on.
Bill Pannell had engaged Bruce Tomlinson to assist with the shire of Busselton’s planning requirements for dividing the Moss Wood property. During a casual chat between the two men, Bill mentioned that the soils of one of the newly created properties were uniformly excellent and equal to those of the existing Moss Wood vineyard. Impressed by this information Bruce decided to purchase the property and try his hand at viticulture. Following the purchase Bruce appointed Bill Jamieson, the retired Head of Viticulture at the Western Australian Department of Agriculture as a consultant. Ten hectares of vineyard were planted in the spring of 1983.
The winery was built in 1988 and the first vintage in the new building was in 1989. Bruce designed and built the winery, which incorporates the cellar sales gallery that has sweeping views across the Wilyabrup valley. The building has since been heritage listed by the shire of Busselton.
In 1987, the first commercial crop was harvested, with the wines being vinified at another local winery. The first release was the 1987 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. The first Cabernet Sauvignon was from the 1988 vintage. This wine won two trophies at the 1990 SGIO W.A winemakers’ exhibition, including best wine of show. Further success followed in 1992, with the Chardonnay winning gold and three trophies at the 1992 Perth Royal Wine Show.
The gravelly loam facilitates water drainage whilst not supporting excessive vigour. The clay base retains moisture and encourages root penetration. The estate vineyard comprises some nine hectares. Approximately 60% of planting is to the white grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot making up the balance. Some sections have been replanted since to introduce new clones and healthier stock.
Currently there are four different clones of Chardonnay in production and new clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are planned. It is envisaged new plantings will be on grafted rootstock to give greater uniformity and vine efficiency in its uptake of water and nutrients. The rainfall is winter dominant, with approximately 80% falling between April and September. The prevailing dry conditions during the final fruit ripening in early autumn allow for low humidity and disease pressures. All vines have access to drip irrigation. Experience has demonstrated that irrigation improves vine health and that healthy vines produce the highest quality grapes.
Water is collected in two dams during winter and is judiciously applied from January until harvest in March and April. Soil moisture levels are regularly measured thought the season, with the scheduling of the irrigation adjusted accordingly. Yields are typically low and average approximately 5 tonnes per Ha for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and 6-8 tonnes per Ha for Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Bordered on three sides by the Indian and Southern oceans, its maritime climate and avoids both summer and winter temperature extremes.
|
|