The Organic Vineyards

Climate

Our climate is described as continental – warm to hot through the day, cool to cold at night, and mild weather through autumn, allowing for a long, slow ripening period. This is particularly well suited to red and fortified varieties, giving opulence and depth of flavour, yet retaining balance and freshness with the moderating night time temperatures. Our focus rests very much on the heritage varieties of the region – namely Shiraz, Durif and Muscat, with more recent plantings of Nero d’Avola (originating from Sicily) and a number of Portuguese varieties adding a little exotic interest.

1920s Block Shiraz

The 1920s Block Shiraz is perhaps our most celebrated wine – by virtue of the fact that it is released more consistently than the 1904 Block. Whilst only two hundred metres separates the 1904 and 1920s plantings, they produce markedly different wines. The hungry, decomposed granite soils of the 1920s Block results in a more powerful, structured Shiraz with a darker fruit profile. The 1904 Block, planted on a deep run of dark loam, is generally more lifted and expressive, with a spicy, finely textured mouthfeel. Both have the capacity to age gracefully for many years.

Other old vine plantings include Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge (Brown Muscat) and Muscadelle (Tokay/Topaque) which date to the 1920s and 1950s.