The
wines
of Shadowfax, Victoria, Australia
The wines of Shadowfax, Werribee, Victoria
Shadowfax Wines, K Road, Werribee, Vic 3030
Phone: (61) 3 9731 4420 Fax:
(61) 3 9731 4421
E-mail: shadowfax@mansiongroup.com.au
Website: http://www.shadowfax.com.au/
UK agent: Morris & Verdin (020 7291 5300)
[for
a more recent review of the Shadowfax wines visit here.
Ed]
Shadowfax
is an exciting new venture based at Port Phillip in Victoria, not far
from Melbourne. New Zealander Matt Harrop is the winemaker (a
Roseworthy graduate, he boasts previous experience at Nautilus and
Brokenwood) while viticulture is in the hands of Andrew Tedder,
previously from Glenguin in the Hunter.
As well as owning vineyards in key Victorian sites, Shadowfax
also buy grapes in. They have vineyards in Heathcote (old vine Shiraz
in this trendy region), Weribee (planted in 1998, where the winery is
located), Geelong (new clones of Pinot Noir planted in 2002) and
Tallarook (Planted 1999). Particularly noteworthy are the three
recently acquired Heathcote vineyards which are the oldest in the
region (planted in 1972), a locale that has become famous because of
the likes of Jasper Hill and Mount
Ida.
The wines tasted here just represent a starting point for
this ambitious, quality minded venture: when the newer vineyard sites
begin producing, then it’s likely some very interesting wines will
emerge. Encouragingly, Harrop is aiming to express a sense of place in
his wines – always a good sign.
Shadowfax Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Adelaide Hills
Fresh restrained herby style, quite elegant and understated. Very
good+
Shadowfax Chardonnay 2001 Yarra/Geelong
Classy creamy, toasty oak on the nose, leading to a palate with
restrained nutty characters. An elegant style. Very good/excellent
Shadowfax Shiraz 2000 McLaren Vale
Forward savoury spicy nose: a rich style but showing good
definition and restraint. Nicely weighted savoury palate displaying
rich tarry fruit with a spicy, tannic edge. Rich stuff but nicely
balanced. Very good/excellent
Shadowfax Pinot Noir 2001 Geelong
A single-vineyard wine. Open herbal nose is quite perfumed with
some savoury intensity. The palate has some tannic structure with a
tight, savoury finish and herbal character. Aiming at elegance. Very
good/excellent
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