HG LIVING
170 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
F
or the past 14 years I have had the
pleasure of judging at the Boutique
Wine Awards, where wines from
independently owned producers
crushing less than 250 tonnes of
grapes are assessed side by side.
The show is a barometer for style
changes and trends. Small wineries
have the flexibility to be innovative as
they respond quickly to market changes
and preferences. But the best part is
that the show gives the opportunity
for lesser-known wineries to shine.
Grace Farm, a tiny Margaret River
winery owned by John and Elizabeth
Mair, makes pure, focused, handcrafted
wines using sustainable practises.
Chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon
are the highlights of its small portfolio.
The chardonnay is finely crafted with
a central core of polished fruit, whereas
the cabernet is rounded and plush, with
complexity and structure. Both the 2015
Chardonnay and 2013 Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon were awarded gold medals
and the 2014 Chardonnay was awardedTasting notes 20 14 PENNA LANE SHIRAZ, $25 A richly fruited, bold wine with a plush
mid-palate. Hints of roasted meat and dried fruits add complexity. 2013 FOX GORDON BY
GEORGE CABERNET TEMPRANILLO, $23 A gorgeous inviting nose introduces a fleshy palate
with gentle spice that is simply delicious. 2014 GRACE FARM CHARDONNAY, $30 A finely crafted
wine with perfect weight, restrained oak, and a delicate grapefruity core. Also try the 2015. 2014
ARAVINA ESTATE WILDWOOD RIDGE RESERVE CHARDONNAY, $42 An utterly charming
modern chardonnay with a tight lemony centre, mealy nuances and a long intense palate.Independent wineries are
producing sure-fire winners,
writes Toni Paterson.Drinks
SMALL
VICTORIES
the trophy for Best White and Best
Wine of Show.
The wines of A ravina Estate, also
from Margaret River, command
attention. Investment in vineyards
and astute winemaking have led to
a stunning set of wines including a
trophy winning 2015 Vermentino,
plus a gold medal chardonnay and
cabernet from the 2014 vintage under
the A ravina Wildwood Ridge label.
Penna Lane, from South Australia’s
Clare Valley, is a consistent performer
with a quality range of wines. Its 2014
Shiraz $25 was awarded a gold medal
plus trophy for Best Shiraz and its 2015
Watervale Riesling and SSB blend,
$23/each, picked up silver medals.
Fox Gordon is a label that offers
value and quality. It was a strong
performer with almost every wine
collecting a medal. Worth a mention
is its balanced 2015 Princess Fiano,
$23, 2014 Eight Uncles Shiraz, $20,
and 2014 Hannah’s Swing Shiraz, $56,
which all received silvers. #Styling by Kayla Gex. Photography by Pablo Martin.BOUTIQUE
WINERIES
Must-visit
Coolangatta Estate
NEW SOUTH WALES
1335 Bolong Road, Shoalhaven Heads
Coolangatta Estate was a star in the
semillon category, taking out the Semillon
Trophy with its 2015 Estate Grown
Semillon $25 (above). The 2009 also
gathered a gold, and the 2005 a silver,
showing that its wines can certainly age.Hahndorf Hill
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
38 Pain Road, Hahndorf
Hahndorf Hill, in the Adelaide Hills,
received a medal for all wines entered.
Its rosé (above), with its dainty aroma,
pale colour and good flavour received
a gold while its three grüners garnered
silvers. Hahndorf Hill specialises in
Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian white
variety, and has six different clones
planted within its vineyard. GRU, $28, is
a vibrant peppery style whereas GRU 2,
$45, is a weighty, opulent wine.