The cellar is located on the South Coast of New South Wales some three hours south of Sydney.
The background reveals the wine maker first started making wine 30 years ago until the year 2002, when he decided it was time to offer his unique wines from his own Boutique Winery. The winemaker's ancestors are from Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast - Mediterranean sea, and has been fortunate to learn from them, centuries of wine making techniques. Most important, is using traditional wine making methods, such as using hand picked fruit, natural fermentation temperature, and basket pressing. Only small quantities are made, enabling additional time to ensure quality wine is achieved. Shaved oak hogsheads barrels are used, with the wine ageing in the barrels for an unusually extended maturation period for up to five years. This procedure yields a unique style of wine not unlike old-style "classical" Italian Barolo wines. Of course new barrels could not be used, as there would be an imparted excessive oak component in the wine. The cellar where the wine matures in oak barrels, has two reverse cycle temperature controlled units, one being a stand by failsafe.
The grapes are from selected areas of Southern Australia, and are delivered by refrigerated vehicle to the premises. The grower is instructed to supply only premium quality grapes, otherwise they shall not be accepted. The intention is to continue with the winemaking only on a small scale, which ensures premium wine is produced. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 Shiraz vintages are available, and if preferred, the wine can be open for extended periods prior to consumption, as the wine improves and resists oxidation. A 2009 Chardonnay is available from Southern Highlands fruit, which was in French oak for 5 months
Also a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is maturing in French oak, and a 2009 Shiraz is maturing in American oak, and from this year, Adelaide Hills Shiraz is maturing in French and American oak. Another very interesting wine which has just been bottled, is a blend of 2007 Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon, which was in American oak for 38 months. |