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

96-97 Points – Magdalena Sienkiewicz "Franco’s wines are famous for their quality and longevity. The 2019 Estate Pinot Noir is showing incredibly well for such a young wine. The perfume offers a superb medley of fruit, spiced beetroot, pencil lead and violets. The palate follows suit with the addition of minerals. The length is impressive, especially when considering its modest price tag. There is no compromise on quality and the wine intensifies with decanting, revealing wonderful complexity. This must be one of the best buys under £20, but please treat it like any serious wine and decant. Sampled using Zalto Burgundy glassware on opening and again on the following day, when it showed even better."

Hoddles Creek Estate is owned and run by the D’Anna family who first established a vineyard in 1997 on the property that had been in the family since the 1960’s. The vineyard consists of predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with additional blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the steeply sloping aspect of the vineyard, machine harvesting is not possible and all pruning and harvesting has to be done by hand which ultimately ensures minimal fruit damage and a higher quality of fruit. The estate is located in the Upper Yarra Valley which experiences a cooler climate which leads to greater freshness and finesse in the wines.

The viticulturalist and winemaker at Hoddles Creek Estate is Franco D’Anna who begin his career at the age of 13, working in the family liquor store, becoming the chief wine buyer by the age of 21. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, Franco went on to study viticulture at Charles Sturt University whilst helping to maintain a newly planted vineyard, and working a vintage at James Halliday’s Coldstream Hills and two years at Witchmount, gaining further experience in subsequent years in France, Sicily and Northern Italy. Franco sought mentoring from Mario Marsen from Mount Mary who consulted on Hoddles Creek’s first vintage.

Inspired by how his Grandfather did it back in Italy, Franco’s philosophy is about simplicity and making traditional wines with minimal intervention. The winery is split level with the tanks upstairs and the barrel store located 3 metres underground allowing the wines to be gravity fed, using no artificial cooling or heating, simply opening the doors of the winery at night to let in the natural cool air all leading to a gentler winemaking process.

Franco’s notes his experiences in winemaking across the world as having significant influences on his style, learning something new from each place. His experience at James Halliday’s Coldstream winery taught him how fundamental a rigorous hygiene practice is in the winery, his time spent in Gevrey-Chambertin with Pierre Naigeon about monitoring tannin levels to produce gentler, finer tannins that help the wine to age. His time in Barolo working with Nebbiolo furthered his understanding on tannin management and at Mount Etna in Sicily, Franco gained a deep understanding of the natural wine movement.

Our exclusive Q&A with Franco D'Anna of Hoddles Creek Estate - Read more

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

Situated in the Limestone Coast zine of South Australia, the Coonawarra wine region is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon; so much so that success with other grape varieties is often overlooked. It is relatively new to wine-making - from 1890 to 1945 most of the wine was distilled into brandy - but today the famous terra rossa (or red soils) on which all the early vineyards were planted produce predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon wines, full of plum and blackcurrant fruit. 

Winemakers notes - "Garnet red colour. The nose is so alluring. Sniff after sniff reveals earth, cut meats and blood sausage. Its intoxicating dark boysenberry aromas keep you coming back for more. The flavours are bold yet silky, supple, gritty and tightly wound.  It’s opulent with a palate full of blue fruits. Blueberry, plums and tart red cherry are wonderfully primary. The back palate is long and sophisticated. Partly matured in concrete vats to further highlighting the pristine fruit in this wine. Enjoy over the next 7-15 years. 15.1% Alc. Shiraz 79%, Malbec 12% and Cabernet Sauvignon 9%."

David and Diana Anderson first planted vines in their family-run Heathcote estate Wild Duck Creek Estate in 1974. Today, the area under vine totals some 15 ha that are dedicated to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and has 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 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 and a long finish. 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.

94 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Crafted to be enjoyed sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, there is so much to enjoy from the leathery / herbal nose which flows into cassis, blackcurrant and blackcurrant leaf. The fruit provides a lovely sweet entry with dusty tannins providing balance. Today, this is fun and immensely enjoyable. Well made, well balanced, energetic with a light, spiced bite on the end. Unquestionably, this will provide lots of satisfaction to those seeking a well-priced wine which delivers time after time. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”

94 Points – Magdalena Sienkiewicz "You have to admire the vibrancy of the Discovery wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon is no different and it offers a great aromatic interplay of blackcurrant, cassis, bay leaf and mint. A touch of new leather emerges with aeration, completing the perfume beautifully. Ticks all the boxes in the textbook description of the varietal. The palate follows suit and reveals a sweeter character than the nose suggests thanks to the abundance of ripe fruit. It is quickly balanced by the lovely herbal elements adding lift and freshness. An awesome drop which won’t ruin your bank balance. Sampled after decanting and using Zalto Bordeaux glassware."

95 Points - Erin Larkin (winecompanion.com.au) "12 Months in French oak. Perfect weather and yields in ’18, the resulting wines standing on the shoulders of their predecessors. The nose here is tempting to say the least – cassis, raspberry and fields of violets and sage. The palate follows obediently, the acidity being the last thing that swoops in and cleans everything up... What a gorgeous wine. Testament to the year, the hands and the vineyards. Ridiculous price."

Being named as "the newest buzz in Margaret River", Domaine Naturaliste is the project of Bruce Dukes, a highly experienced winemaker with a career spanning over 25 years... it is Bruce’s belief that a holistic approach reaps the greatest rewards, both for the wine and the environment.

Whilst completing his degree, Bruce worked as assistant winemaker for Francis Ford Coppola at Niebaum- Coppola in the Napa Valley and has also had a significant stint at the great Pierro Winery closer to home in Margaret River. Bruce approaches winemaking with the passion of an Agronomist, beginning with a deep understanding of soils and sustainable farming practices, it is Bruce’s belief that a holistic approach reaps the greatest rewards, both for the wine and the environment.

Domaine Naturaliste vineyards are located in the heart of the highly regarded Wilyabrup sub-region, located on the north eastern coast of Margaret River. The vines are 7 km inland from the magnificent Indian ocean. The gravelly loam soils provide a stable foundation for the 20 year old grapevines, allowing them to achieve the perfect balance. The maritime climate is characterised by cool wet winters, and long gentle summers. The Karri Trees that dominate the landscape here, provide shelter from the prevailing westerly and south-westerly winds that blow in from the Indian Ocean, making the area a pristine environment for growing high quality grapes.

The flagship wine of Domaine Naturaliste is the Morus Cabernet Sauvignon which is sourced from the very best and very oldest vineyard in the Bruce’s portfolio. The Morus Cabernet vines are some of the most coveted and the vineyard is considered to be amongst the most elite sites in all of Margaret River.

Domaine Naturaliste Wins Best Value Winery of the Year in Wine Companion Awards - Read more

Perched all the way over on Australia’s most south westerly tip is Margaret River. A region that accounts for less than 5% of Australia’s wine production but is responsible for 20% of the premium wines and the lion’s share of awards. Probably best known as the region that produces some of the new world’s finest Cabernet, Margaret River specialises not only in red and white, Bordeaux style wines but the region is also gaining a reputation for premium Chardonnays that rival some of the best found in Burgundy. Deep Woods have scooped up a multitude of awards across their range, and another spectacular producer, House of Cards, have created a range of single vineyard wines of exceptional quality. Flowstone’s wines have been awarded 95 points or above and Stuart Pym continually displays his craftmanship in each and every vintage he produces. The list of awards given to this tiny area in Australia’s most isolated region is endless and it’s no wonder that Margaret River is dominating Australia’s premium sector.