Darren Naylor from Brockenchack Vineyard in Australia, and a family representative [son-in-law converted from swimming coach], presented to us last month, when we had 26 people for the evening. Those that couldn’t attend missed a great evening and an opportunity to taste some new flavours, as this is the first time this family-owned vineyard has presented to us.
Their vineyard is in Eden Valley, which is described as being ‘Barossa’s beautiful high country, one of Australia’s premier cool climate wine growing regions, characterised by its rugged beauty and varied topography’. Darren explained to us the complexities of their property and vines, and the weather that effects their harvests, and how they work with other vineyards at times. And while all their wines matter to the family, their Shiraz is their primary wine.
He also revealed that other vineyards have started to use casks from Hungary, but they had found these to be inferior to the French or US casks, so they don’t use these in their productions.
While their senior vintner is Joanne Irvine, if you would like to know more about their vintages, please go into Brockenchack vintages – Brockenchack Wines.
To remind you of the wines we tasted on the night:
- NV Great Scott Sparkling Shiraz the Welcome Wine
- 2023 Mackenzie William 1896 Riesling – cellars well, they are drinking their 2010 now
- 2021 Charli Jaye Chardonnay – made from Mendoza clone, only planted 12 years ago
- 2023 Tru-Su Rosé – made from their Shiraz
- 2021 Zip Line Shiraz – 60-95 years old vines
- 2021 Miss Bronte Cabernet Sauvignon – from 12-year-old vines
- 2018 Jack Harrison Shiraz – this will cellar for between 10-14 years
- 2018 William Frederick Shiraz – a special taster of premium wine and one of only two corked wines in their cellar. The rest of their wines are screw-cap.
Contact details for Brockenchack
Email NZ Agent, based in Queenstown
+64 277 034 616
Wine orders on the night were good, thanks to everyone.