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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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