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Of particular importance to Shadowfax are the very close relationships with a select group of growers who provide harvests of the most intensely flavoured fruit. A prolific trophy winner, Shadowfax are a refreshing new wave, vigorously fruit driven, livelier than her Victorian siblings, characterised by slatey, flavoursome acidity, a touch of lees complexity and judicious dryness. Shadowfax» |
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Bloodstone was originally intended for the UK Oddbins retail chain. It turned into a runaway success and went on to claim a litany of international accolades, 5 Cuisine Magazine Stars & Best Buy, as well as Gold & Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco International. Gemtree» |
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Pietro D’orsa found work in Australia as a winegrower circa 1868, quenching the thirst of miners during the Victorian gold rush. Several generations later, Pietro's progeny returned to viticulture. Sanguine» |
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Born at Guildford, very near the Houghton Swan Valley wineworks, Dr John Gladstones was an internationally acclaimed scientist who identified the Margaret River in 1965 as being world class for planting vines and growing grapes. Dr Gladstones also played a role in the development of the Frankland River region, Pemberton and Manjimup. Houghton» |
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Samuel Dunn was an early Amherst resident, one of the first settlers to plant grapes in the Pyreness. His land was exploited for sheep grazing, until diggers found the locality alive with gold. Amherst» |
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Named for a rare grasshopper Sigaus childi, found only at Central Otago within the Earnscleugh gold mine tailings, just across the road from Grasshopper Rock vineyard. The site is fortuitously harsh and sufficiently challenging to make the vines work their hardest. Grasshopper Rock» |
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An exciting innovation in a Methode traditionnelle, enriched by strawberry. A component of Pinot Noir is treated to extended time on skins for perfect uptake of charming rose colour, to be blended back with Chardonnay after primary ferments. Lindauer» |
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Given the scarcity of Best's prestige, limited release, old vineyard icons, Bin #1 affords enthusiasts their first taste of the Great Western Shiraz style and leaves them eager to discover more. A classic, cool climate, aromatic wine, floral and spicy, peppery and elegant, retaining vital Great Western fruit character. Bests» |
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A Shiraz of power and elegance, Heathcote Estate claimed a significant gold medal at the prestigious London International. Inspired by the amazing depth and character of Terra Rosa Shiraz, the Bialkower and Kirby families determined the most idyllic location to propogate vines for an ultra premium Shiraz to rival Australia's finest. Heathcote Estate» |
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The enthusiastic maritime climes of Martinborough are heaven sent for a style and quality of Sauvignon Blanc to rival the world's finest. Mother nature sets the stage, but ultimately it is the thoughtful viticultural practices of the Palliser Estate team, which ensures a harvest of ripe and intensely flavoured Sauvignon Blanc at every vintage. Palliser Estate» |
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Majella are one of the most highly awarded small wineries in Australia, the inaugural release of The Musician was met with unprecedented critical acclaim. In the tradition of the most salubrious Coonawarra vineyards, the Majella property was used extensively for grazing before being planted to vine. Majella» |
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Bleasdale are Australia's second oldest family owned winery, established 1850 by English migrant Frank Potts. Potts built much of Adelaide's early colonial works before settling down to his homestead at Langhorne Creek. Bleasdale» |
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About Winstead - the Winery
Winstead
Neil Snare is a pioneer of Tasmanian viticulture, he established his first vineyard in 1989 and has maintained a small batch approach to his sensational wines ever since
The warm, open Bagdad Valley in Tasmania's southern midlands, thirty kilometres north of Hobart, became famous during early settlement for its bountiful apple orchards, stone fruits and pears. There is very little water in the valley and the area is frequently punished by summer droughts. Many orchards have failed over the years and the open grasslands were turned over to sheep grazing. Neil acquired four hectares of the old Winstead Farm in Bagdad Valley during the 1980s, hand chosen as an ideal place for vines, dry grown, fertile and essentially frost free. The initial success of a small test patch of fifty plantings Pinot Noir was joined the following year by four thousand, ultimately a hectare and a half of Riesling and Pinot Noir.
A further hectare and a half of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc followed in 1993. The region often receives winter rains and summer droughts, a splendid ripening season often requires drip irrigation to sustain the vines through the summer heat and autumn dry. The well sheltered, inland location means that sea breezes do not arrive until late afternoon, allowing daytime temperatures to climb and remain high during the height of summer, an essential element considering that the growing season is a little shorter than many other Tasmanian vineyards due to the elevation.
Winstead produce two editions of single vineyard Pinot Noir. Lot 7 is made from the original estate plantings on the home block, a robust wine, with dark chocolate, plum, tobacco and cinnamon characters. Lot 16 is from a slightly younger site, a little further up the hill, planted to the latest clones Pinot Noir to arrive in Bagdad Valley, Dijon 114 and 115. Lot 16 is more delicate with forest floor, strawberry and nutmeg characters, zippy and fresh, with a firm dry finish.
Winstead's exquisite whites are made to European influences, enhancing texture and mouthfeel. The ferments are long and slow, as wines remain on lees for several months, adding gorgeous creaminess to their texture. Winstead's Sauvignon Blanc is richly barrel fermented to add marvelous complexity.
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