Winemaker " Concentrated dark fruits fill the palate with hints of chocolate, supported by very fine elegant tannins that lead to a long and seamless finish. Full bodied, rich & classy.

Above average rainfall during winter, followed by a cooler than average spring, ensured adequate soil moisture for healthy canopy development. The cooler unseasonal conditions prevailed during January and February delaying veraison. Autumn saw the start of an Indian summer which continued well into April, resulting in perfect ripening conditions on the Valley floor for gradual development of flavour, with very fine grained tannins and excellent retention of natural acidity. The 2017 Elderton Estate Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh and very pure fruit driven wine with an underlying elegance, depictive of a cooler Barossa vintage."

The Elderton Vineyard began when early German settlers gave the name to a vineyard on the banks of the North Para River in Nuriootpa in 1894. In 1916 it was purchased by Samuel Elderton Tolley who built himself a sprawling homestead on the estate and sold fruit to his family’s winery. In 1979 Lorraine and Neil Ashmead were given a proposal, “If you buy the house, I will give you the surrounding 72 acres of old vines for nothing.” The rambling old homestead looked ideal for a growing family and the Ashmead’s worked tirelessly to salvage and restore this treasure of a vineyard.

In 1982, the first wine was made under the Elderton label. Tough times prevailed but ultimately the vision of the founders shone through and Elderton is today celebrated as a major reason for the rejuvenation of the Barossa. In 1993 Elderton shot to national prominence after winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy. International success ensued.

The second generation took the reins of the business in 2003. Brothers Cameron and Allister believe very strongly in continuing the traditions that began a generation earlier, on the Nuriootpa vineyard. They want to take the family company to the next level, so together they devised a plan to buy great vineyards in other significant sub appellations of the Barossa. Through using sustainable practices, the hope is that the next generation of the Ashmead family have a lot to work with when they are at the helm.

We sit down with Cameron and Allister from Elderton - Read article

Barossa’s story began in the mid 1800s when a group of Silesian Lutherans, fleeing religious persecution, settled in the region and began working the land of Barossa’s largest land owner George Fife Angas. The settlers took to growing fruit and due to the climate in the region, grapes were most ideally suited and toward the end of the 1800s, several wineries had been established. Distinctly Germanic names such a Johann Henschke, Oscar Seppelt of Seppeltsfield and Kaesler that are leading names in the Barossa wine industry today are evidence of these early pioneers, and many are continuing today through several generations of the same family.

The wines were originally produced for religious and home use but it didn’t take long before they were being made commercially and by the start of the 20th Century wine was being exported back to England. The demand for fortified wine was huge and this coupled with the long journey on water, fortified wines dominated Barossa’s wine market right up until the end of the 1960s, but this would lead to a crisis that would set the industry into decline. As demand for fortified wines dried up, many growers were left unprofitable and the South Australian Government introduced the vine pull scheme, uprooting many of Barossa’s ancient vines during the 1980s. It took the efforts of some of the regions new faces of the time to bring the industry back by paying the growers above market value for their grapes, and saving the old vines that have become a hallmark of Barossa wine.

It is Barossa’s ancient vines that have shaped the region's style and reputation and the forward thinking attitude of the region's producers is one that is only beginning to filter through to the rest of the wine world. The winemakers of the 1980s helped to revive Barossa’s heritage, paving the way for the next generation of Barossa winemakers and this balance between heritage and progression has continued with an unparalleled energy through the region's newest and brightest stars of the 21st Century.

The Barossa Valley is warm and dry with low rainfall and low humidity, which can lead to a risk of drought during the growing season. It’s lower in altitude and is typified by gentle, rolling hills and valleys and is home to some of the world’s oldest clusters of vines, some of which are over 125 years old. These old vines are very low yielding and produce exceptionally concentrated fruit which is exploited by producers like Greenock Creek, Hobbs and Standish to make very rich and powerful wines that due to their concentration, often reach high levels of alcohol. Although several varieties are grown across Barossa, by far the most widely planted is Shiraz, producing rich, fruit forward wines. In the past, Barossa’s reputation has suffered from this rich style of wine, with consumers and producers favouring wines from cooler areas of Australia. However, a wave of smaller, artisan wineries began to pop up during the 1980’s and 1990’s and brought a resurgence to this region.

Explore the Barossa - Read more

Winemaker Notes - "Originally just a Shiraz / Malbec blend, we added Cabernet Sauvignon to this wine to give greater textural diversity. The grapes are sourced from the same vineyards every year, fully and gently de-stemmed, hand plunged and basket pressed. The wine is then matured for up to 23 months in older French and American oak barriques, hogsheads, and large format vats, as well as some concrete vats for added complexity. Yellow Hammer Hill is a wonderful all round red wine to be enjoyed with almost any occasion."

Our full tasting note coming soon...

David and Diana Anderson first planted vines in their family-run Heathcote estate Wild Duck Creek Estate in 1974. Today, the total area under vine totals some 15 ha that are dedicated to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that have helped them achieve cult status in the eyes of many. Their first commercial release was in 1991 and things have only got better with the couple now joined by their son, Liam who is going full steam ahead with biodynamic practices in the vineyard.

In the winery, traditional winemaking techniques are the status quo with winemakers, David and Liam choosing to use open top fermenters, basket presses and the finest French barrels and American hogsheads for extended ageing. Produced only in exceptional years, the Reserve Shiraz uses fruit predominantly from the Original Vineyard that has been barrel aged and then selected for the final blend after extensive tasting. A blockbuster with high alcohol, its richness is seamlessly balanced by moderating acidity and ripe tannins, which prevent it from becoming or syrupy. The Springflat Shiraz comes from a small 1ha site planted in 1988 that yields just over 20,000 bottles annually. After maturing in French and American oak barrels for a year or more, the wine is bottled unfiltered for maximum flavour expression that results in a deeply coloured, sweet-fruited red with an intense concentration that finishes long. Renowned American wine critic, Robert Parker regularly awards these wines 90 points or more.

A Vinorium Exclusive: Wild Duck Creek Estate - Read more

Located north of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, 170 Kilometers inland from the Victoria coast in the region of Heathcote. Originally a gold mining and logging town Heathcote was populated by a diverse range of cultures and nationalities hoping to make their fortune in gold. Many became disillusioned with the lack of prosperity and turned their hand to exploiting the lands of the region, and the first vineyard was planted in the 1850’s.

With fairly mild summers, Heathcote benefits from the effects of cool winds blowing up from the south that are channeled through the valleys of the Mount Camal Range. This provides a longer growing season leading to slower ripening and a greater level of complexity in the grapes. The Mount Camal Range is a major influence on the climate of Heathcote, not only helping to cool by channeling the southern winds but also, the valley slopes provide a range of altitudes to plant on, with vineyards ranging between 160 and 380 metres above sea level. The other major factor determining the style of wine produced here is its ancient Cambrian red soils which are rich in minerals and have great capacity for retaining water, providing the vines with water throughout the growing season. Roots are also able to penetrate deep into the soil providing the vines with great anchorage. The soils have superb heat retaining properties too, storing heat throughout the day and radiating it into the evening, lengthening the ripening period, the resulting grapes are very ripe but small and concentrated. The wines produced are deep, almost inky in colour with powerful, dark fruit aromas, sweet spice, and velvety tannins. In their youth, the wines are full bodied and highly concentrated but develop pronounced aromas and flavours of stewed fruits, fig and prunes as they reach maturity.

Shiraz is very much the most predominately planted variety followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Shiraz is well at home in this hot climate and creates full bodied wines that are velvety in texture and characterised by fleshy, plum fruits and sweet spice. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich with flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant that express aromas of eucalyptus in cooler vintages. White Rhone varieties grow well here, Viognier and Roussanne are very well suited to the warm conditions and long sunshine hours, the cooling southern winds helping to preserve the acidity that is vital in keeping the whites fresh.

Although wine production had existed in Heathcote since the mid 1800’s, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that this region really took its place on the world stage. Championed by several influential wine writers, Heathcote’s reputation really took off with the emergence of small, family run wineries who started with just producing wine for their friends and family, but took the next step into commercial wine production. When Robert Parker awarded a tiny, unknown, family producer 99 points for one of their wines, almost overnight they were catapulted onto the center stage and Wild Duck Creek’s Muck Duck has now become a legend of the wine world.

96–97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The nose is more classical – herbal, rusty metal, cranberry, warm earth, leather and tea. The flavour profile is expansive and impeccably pure. Less flamboyant compared to the Hexham but the open-knit complexity is a delight. Finely tuned with a delicacy and a gentleness which I really enjoy. I am intrigued to see how this develops over the coming 5 years. Ambitious yet sensitive winemaking. Unforced and natural. Admirable length and will offer immediate pleasure”.

97 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz "Intense aromas of ripe fruit, pomegranate, sweet spice and dried herbs emanate from the glass. I adore this perfume – an intoxicating mix of sweet and savoury. The palate is just as vibrant which is such a delight. Abundant fruit gives a nice touch of ripeness and sweetness laced with gentle acidity – all in perfect balance. So soft on the finish. Simply put, this is cracking Pinot Noir which instantly puts a smile on your face. An absolute steal for the price, as is the entire Single Vineyard range."

Unravelling the story behind the exotically named Soumah, it is in fact an abbreviation of South of Maroondah, hinting its location in the heart of Yarra Valley. Their wines however are far from exotic and instead they brim with a cool climate character and provenance of the majestic Yarra Valley. The perfect state of balance, calmness and composure of Soumah wines are expressed across the range, with the flagship wines receiving a graceful name ‘Equilibrio’. The global press wax lyrical with strings of medals including the Decanter Gold winning Equilibrio Chardonnay and Decanter Platinum Equilibrio Pinot Noir.

Located just east of Melbourne in Victoria and surrounding the Yarra River, Yarra Valley enjoys a mix of influences both Mediterranean and continental with the two main soil types being the bright red, fertile, volcanic soil found mainly around Seville. Yarra Valley has a climate slightly cooler than Bordeaux enabling a range of grapes from Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon and Semillon to Rhone varieties such as Shiraz, Mourvedre, Viognier and Roussanne, but it is the cool climate varieties, most notably Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that the region is becoming most well known for, rivalling the great wines that are coming out of Margaret River and Tasmania.

It is known as the birthplace of Victoria with vines first being planted back in 1838, the region’s wine industry grew rapidly up until the early part of the 21st Century when the wine industry ceased production due to increased demand for fortified wine. It wasn’t until the 1960’s when names such as Dr Bailey Carrodus of Yarra Yerring and Dr John Middleton began replanting that the regions industry was revived. These names who were responsible for bringing the region back to life, have inspired a new generation of winemaker to continue taking the region forward and now Yarra Valley’s wine industry is thriving.

The Yarra Valley has a reputation across Australia as being a region that is buzzing with creativity. With experimental winemakers, pushing the boundaries, creating a culture of ground breaking, innovative winemaking that is driving Yarra Valley’s reputation as one of the most exciting regions in Australia today. This tendency towards pushing the boundaries of winemaking has spawned a minimalist movement in the region and you can find many producers that are creating wines with the absolute minimum of interference, sometimes bottling the wines unfined or unfiltered.

One of the most exciting producers that we’ve discovered from Yarra Valley is Hoddles Creek Estate, owned by winemaker Franco D’Anna. Franco specialises in creating Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With the majority of their plantings in the cooler upper Yarra Valley, Hoddles Creek keep to the Yarra ethos of minimal, gentle winemaking and have created a range of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are up there with some of Australia’s very best.

96 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The perfume has developed wondrously over the course of the day (4-6 hours decanting is a must) with black raspberry, plum, violet, bay leaf, white pepper, lead pencil, cedar, and dusty earth unfurling. The palate starts with sweeter fruit notes and falls to mineral, cedar, dried herbs and tobacco. There’s lots of brightness thanks to the streak of acidity – graceful and light on its feet which I enjoy. Classic Claret-esque and reminds me of Château Lynch Bages from 2004. Dusty tannins on the finish. A lovely wine which will appeal to those seeking mature sophistication (without crippling one’s wallet). Drink now through to 2023.”

In Rymill's own words "We believe Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Coonawarra, which is why over fifty percent of our vineyards are planted to this variety. The unique combination of the region’s famous terra rossa soil, and a long, cool ripening season results in grapes with exceptional flavour, intensity and structure. This is why Coonawarra has become internationally renowned for producing premium wines, in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon."

New & Exclusive: Rymill Wines - Read more

96 points - Stuart McCloskey “A more lavish feel to both the nose and fruit profile. Clearly, made for immediate enjoyment, but with the structure to age well for 8-10 years. That tell-tale warm red clay soil emanates from the glass, with oodles of plush, dark fruits. Ripe, sumptuous with touches of cassis, oak and espresso. The palate is equally friendly and greets you with a wash of crisp, ripe red & dark fruits. The tannins are impeccably balanced and work in harmony with the zap of acidity. There’s heaps to like about this wine as it’s so accessible, flavoursome and friendly. Another 12-24 months in bottle will do it a lot of good. I could even imagine this dunked in an ice bucket for ten minutes and served on a warm, summer evening. Just a joy.  Served in Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”

I maintain my families’ traditional label, which embodies a traditional ethos paying homage to my parents legacy as well as the traditional wine styles and produces of the region. The Vinden Headcase was established in 2015 when I took over the family business. The goal was to create great wines, which are as fun and distinctive to drink, as they were to make. The range focuses on producing delicious, unique, progressive styles that both respect and challenge the traditional regionality of the Hunter Valley. I believe it is my responsibility, just as O’Shea did up on the old hill, to continually redefine and reinvent the Hunter Valley. Tradition is not stagnant; it should constantly be redefined as we learn from the previous generation.” – Angus Vinden. 

The Hunter Valley is the oldest commercial Wine Region in Australia dating back to 1828. As the current custodian of Vinden Wines, Angus Vinden has taken on the role to not only maintain, but to improve the Hunter Valley. All wines Vinden Wines produce are strictly sourced from Hunter Valley Vineyards, Angus believes "when you go to Burgundy, you drink Burgundy. Therefore, when you are in the Hunter Valley, you should drink from the plethora of stunning and ancient viticultural sites we possess." Vinden Wines sources from two vineyard sites, the estate vineyard and old vine blocks at Somerset Vineyard in Pokolbin where Angus was mentored under the 6th generation grower Glen Howard. The estate vineyard was first planted in 1995, the soil is heavy red clay; Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Gamay and Alicante are currently planted. Angus is in the process of expanding the estate vineyard holdings over the coming two years with Cinsault, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, additional Gamay and new clones of Chardonnay and Tempranillo going in the ground.

Somerset vineyard was originally planted in 1891, unfortunately during WWII the vines were pulled as demand for war time food outweighed grapes. Luckily in 1965 replanting began to re-establish one of the great sites in the original Parish of Pokolbin. As a hillside site it has both fine sandy loam soils and boasts a limestone hillside with granular red volcanic clay. Shiraz, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc are planted.

“Winemaking is an extension of farming for me, each vintage we are dictated to by Mother Nature and our grapes are a reflection of that growing season. That is the beauty and the art of viticulture and winemaking. Each wine and every bottle encapsulates that growing season. It is my role in the winery to guide them as carefully as possible from grapes and into wine, to ensure they are a true representation of that year and the terroir. The wines are made on-site from hand-picked grapes, wild yeast is employed and we ferment and mature in a multitude of vessels; concrete fermenters and eggs, stainless steel tanks, clay amphorae and oak 500L-2000L foudres. I showcase a different side to the Hunter Valley which keeps pace with the current market and new wine trends that are emerging.”