The Auswine Forum

the couple of reds i have had were pretty damn good. Doonkuna Cab and Gallagher Shiraz.

i believe they seem to have greater vintage variations.[frost and hail can be a problem]

anyway, i would like to hear of your fave producers please.

Try Lark Hill, Brindabella Hills, Mt Majura, Ravensworth also for reds.

Frost and drought can be a problem (unless there is access to water for irrigation) in the ACT region, hail not that often. If you like the cooler-climate reds they can be stunning at best, but often mediocre, so be careful. I'm told there are a few good whites though.

Shiraz and riesling do best in general up here. 2004 vintage was a cracker (same in Vic also, I think), so any reds from reputable act wineries in 2004 are well worth trying. Clonakilla and Mount Majura would be good starting points (all french oak at places like these!). The latter also makes a very good chard and pinot gris, the former a very good viognier. Lark Hill is ok if not unexciting and Gallagher uses too much usa oak IMHO for the style being produced (might be ok for sa red lovers though!). Most vineyards are quite young, so don't expect super concentrated multi-faceted wines for a few years yet. Prices, in general, are quite good as the boutique market is very competitive. Rieslings are somewhat different to clare/eden due to terroir here, but well worth seeking out if that variety is your bag.

Vintage variation is mainly due to heat. For example, 2003 was very hot (Vic also) so those wines will be more concentrated but lacking finesse (in general). Frost is always a challenge for inland wineries, but most have automated systems in place to combat it now.

I found the district to be very disappointing. Some good wine, but with so much good wine around they need to find something great.

Jeir Creek and Mount Majura have been my favourites. They are at least doing some different varieties or styles.

The new bottling of Jeir Creek botrytis is simply awesome.

Clonakilla is OK but fast becoming poor value. On the whole, all the wines of the Canberra district are just a bit too high.

Still worth trying when you get a chance.

I have found the ACT region to produce some absolutely fantastic wines.

Since I started appreciating wine, I have appreciated Canberra Riesling. Every second year or so, Helm crafts a stunner. Lark Hill and Clonakilla also produce fantastic examples, and Jeir Creek's dry and botrytis are well worth mentioning.

I have never been that fond of the region's Chardonnay, but they can produce good value $20 examples - Lark Hill, Mount Majura.

Kyeema's Merlot can be great.

The 1999 and 2000 vintage reds were generally disappointing for reds. However, I have found Lark Hill, Brindabella Hills, Clonakilla (Cab Merlot & Hilltops), and McKellar Ridge (2002 Shiraz for $14 is seriously amazing) to have reds that have places in my cellar. And yes, I always enjoy popping in to Jeir Creek for sheer enjoyment and amusement although I have never boiught too much. Also, what I tasted from Mount Majur at Wine Australia was impressive.

With regard to Doonkuna, I went there before their new cellar door and froze. I understand they are doing good things as well... in much warmer surrounds. I have never had a Gallagher, and there are about 5 or so other wineries in the area that I would like to visit when I get the time.

In general, I believe the region can make world class Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and I would like to see more Merlot, serious Merlot that is, produced. I don't think Pinot Noir is really worth the hassle. Even Lark Hill's best efforts are starting to lose their value for money advantage.

ACT is well well worth the visit... unlike the Southern Highlands.

Kind regards,
Adair

Adair wrote:
ACT is well well worth the visit... unlike the Southern Highlands.

Hurupmp! Twaddle and other four letter words.

The Southern Higlands is a great place to visit and they even have a terrific pet shop, .... just stay clear of the local swill.

TORB wrote:

Adair wrote:
ACT is well well worth the visit... unlike the Southern Highlands.

Hurupmp! Twaddle and other four letter words.

The Southern Higlands is a great place to visit and they even have a terrific pet shop, .... just stay clear of the local swill.

Please accept my apologies. I was just referring to the vinous produce.

There is little more relaxing than touring the Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima triangle on a fine to cool weekend.

Adair

I thought the Highlands recently got GI status - where are all their good wines?

Mount Majura and Brindabella Hills are my favourites in Canberra - agree that Riesling and Shiraz are the best varietals grown there. You have to search out the rest on a winery by winery basis.

NN

Neville Nessuno wrote:I thought the Highlands recently got GI status - where are all their good wines?

Having done a few quick tours, the locals believe that Sauvignon Blanc may be the varietal that does best there. That says enough for me.

Personally I suspect the soils in the Southern Highlands are simply too fertile to produce anything of quality.

Adair

Jeir Creek, Mount Majura, Clonakilla and Lark Hill are my standouts.

I have visited many in the area and have found them all to be quite OK. It will be interesting to see if any really crack it in the near future.

Perhaps with the development of the Hilltops reigon, they will grow stronger hand in hand. Attract some tourism and a definitive local style.