Winemakers: Sandro Mosele & Alberto Antonini
Region: Heathcote, Victoria
Greenstone
Greenstone is named after the jasper that can be found in the Heathcote vineyard's ancient Cambrian soil.
The first 10 hectares of Shiraz were planted in 2003, while the following year saw the planting on one hectare each of Tempranillo and Monastrell as well as a further 8 hectares of Shiraz. One hectare of Sangiovese was planted in 2005. Mark Walpole chose four different Shiraz clones for the vineyard, three from the Barossa (1654,2626 and 1127) and one from Coonawarra (R6VW28).
Mark and Alberto Antonini met through their shared passion for Italian varieties, so it is only fitting that Sangiovese should have been planted. The clones were selected by Alberto in Italy, and are the best of the new Tuscan clones selected and propagated by the Rauscheder nursery in Italy.
Both are convinced that Tempranillo and Monastrell will perform as well in Heathcote as they do in their native Spain. The vine density is 4500 vines per hectare, about twice the average in the rest of Heathcote. This high density reduces the vines' vigour, and gives a lower yield per vine which, we are convinced, results in better quality grapes.
Another innovation introduced by Mark and Alberto was to plant the rows in an east-west rather than a north-south direction. The orientation of the rows protects the grapes against the fierce summer sun, ensuring a more gradual ripening process and resulting in livelier and more elegant fruit in the wine.
2007 Greenstone Sangiovese
Certain to become on of Australia's benchmark examples of sangiovese, this has plenty of brooding dark fruit couples with trademark tobacco and spice. A Similarly intense palate is nicely framed by dry and chalky sangiovese tannin and good acidity. Matt Skinner - Un-corked, The Age, Sunday Life November 8, 2009
The 2007 Sangiovese is a marvelous first effort and one of the better Sangioveses from Australia that I've tried. Deep garnet purple in colour, it reveals black cherry, red plum and underbrush notes with nuances of Mediterranean herbs and stewed tea. Crisp with medium-firm fine tannins and good concentration managed with a medium body, the finish is long. Just 200 cases made.
2007 Greenstone Shiraz
The 2007 Shiraz has a very deep garnet purple color and beautiful perfume of violets. Licorice, frest blackberries, sandalwood, cigar boxes, dried plums plus a touch of earth and spices. The palate is very crisp and very elegant with a medium body, firm fine tannins and plenty of fresh berry fruit. This wine is expertly put-together with great concentration at modest alcohol (13.5%) and a long finish. 1500 cases produced.
Wine Advocate No.189, Lisa Perotti Brown MW, June 2010
The first 10 hectares of Shiraz were planted in 2003, while the following year saw the planting on one hectare each of Tempranillo and Monastrell as well as a further 8 hectares of Shiraz. One hectare of Sangiovese was planted in 2005. Mark Walpole chose four different Shiraz clones for the vineyard, three from the Barossa (1654,2626 and 1127) and one from Coonawarra (R6VW28).
Mark and Alberto Antonini met through their shared passion for Italian varieties, so it is only fitting that Sangiovese should have been planted. The clones were selected by Alberto in Italy, and are the best of the new Tuscan clones selected and propagated by the Rauscheder nursery in Italy.
Both are convinced that Tempranillo and Monastrell will perform as well in Heathcote as they do in their native Spain. The vine density is 4500 vines per hectare, about twice the average in the rest of Heathcote. This high density reduces the vines' vigour, and gives a lower yield per vine which, we are convinced, results in better quality grapes.
Another innovation introduced by Mark and Alberto was to plant the rows in an east-west rather than a north-south direction. The orientation of the rows protects the grapes against the fierce summer sun, ensuring a more gradual ripening process and resulting in livelier and more elegant fruit in the wine.
2007 Greenstone Sangiovese
Certain to become on of Australia's benchmark examples of sangiovese, this has plenty of brooding dark fruit couples with trademark tobacco and spice. A Similarly intense palate is nicely framed by dry and chalky sangiovese tannin and good acidity. Matt Skinner - Un-corked, The Age, Sunday Life November 8, 2009
The 2007 Sangiovese is a marvelous first effort and one of the better Sangioveses from Australia that I've tried. Deep garnet purple in colour, it reveals black cherry, red plum and underbrush notes with nuances of Mediterranean herbs and stewed tea. Crisp with medium-firm fine tannins and good concentration managed with a medium body, the finish is long. Just 200 cases made.
2007 Greenstone Shiraz
The 2007 Shiraz has a very deep garnet purple color and beautiful perfume of violets. Licorice, frest blackberries, sandalwood, cigar boxes, dried plums plus a touch of earth and spices. The palate is very crisp and very elegant with a medium body, firm fine tannins and plenty of fresh berry fruit. This wine is expertly put-together with great concentration at modest alcohol (13.5%) and a long finish. 1500 cases produced.
Wine Advocate No.189, Lisa Perotti Brown MW, June 2010