McLaren Vale is a coastal wine region a short drive (40 minutes) south of Adelaide. Its Mediterranean climate is optimal for grape growing with warm, dry conditions during the day and a rapid cooling off at night. We don’t often quote Robert Parker, but we believe he’s bang on McLaren Vale panorama with this statement: “I believe what’s happening in McLaren Vale right now signals an important paradigm shift in Australian winemaking philosophy. Perhaps more so than any other GI (Geographical Indication) in Australia, this region has made huge strides towards clearly defining and differentiating itself in recent years with remarkable results that can be tasted in the wines.”

There are six family-owned vineyards, first planted in 1897, and these century old vines still bear fruit today. Each vineyard has a different soil type and topography. Some vineyards are certified organic. As well, some biodynamic methods are employed along with IPM (integrated pest management). The soil comprises washed sand over clay, which limits vine vigor and hence reduces the number of grapes on each vine. The vines are on their own roots and trellised on a single cordon with vertical shoot positioning to enable good sunlight and air penetration in the vine canopy.

Wines are made by Renae Hirsch, who in 2015 succeeded Emma Bekkers. Renae’s approach to winemaking is quite simple, making and drinking wines that have a purity of fruit expression, showcasing varietal, regional and vineyard characteristics. She believes this is achieved using as little intervention as possible, aiming to guide the wines through maturation before bottling to maintain freshness while having balance, elegance and finesse.