Tahbilk
Established in 1860 Tahbilk is one of Australia’s most beautiful & historic wineries. Located in the Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria (120kms north of Melbourne), one of the nation’s premium viticultural areas, the property comprises some 1,214 hectares of rich river flats with a frontage of 11 kms to the Goulburn River and 8 kms of permanent backwaters & creeks.
The vineyard comprises 200 hectares of vines including the French Rhone Valley whites of Marsanne, Viognier & Roussanne; the Rhone reds – Shiraz, Grenache & Mourvedre; along with traditional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc & Verdelho.
Vineyard plantings extend back to Tahbilk’s founding with original pre-phylloxera Shiraz vines still surviving from 1860 – an eponymous wine produced from them since 1979. Tahbilk is further blessed with an abundance of further “old vine” plantings including Shiraz from 1933 (the prime source for Tahbilk’s ‘Eric Stevens Purbrick’ Shiraz releases), Cabernet Sauvignon back to 1949 and Marsanne from 1927 (a “sister” white release to the 1860 Vines Shiraz produced from them).
In 1993 the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation set up a Geographical Indications Committee to identify and redefine viticultural regions throughout Australia.
It became important to Tahbilk to determine why the region (now known as Nagambie Lakes) produces distinctive premium and super-premium quality red and white table wines, and what it is that sets it apart not only from other Australian wine regions but also other regions around the world.
Two factors were identified which, when combined, give Nagambie Lakes a unique position in the world of wine.
Firstly, Nagambie Lakes is the only Australian wine region, and one of only six worldwide, where the meso-climate is dramatically influenced by inland water mass. The effect of the many Lakes and Lagoons (which are linked by the Goulburn River) is a more moderate and cooler than expected climate.
Secondly, the region has a unique soil type (duplex 2.2) which is only found in one other location in Victoria. The soil is red/sandy loam and is so coloured because of the very high Ferric-oxide content, which has a positive effect on grape quality and adds a certain distinctive regional character to the wines.
Tahbilk Marsanne 2009 – This is our most eagerly awaited white release each year. After all we do have the largest single vineyard holdings of Marsanne in the world, we have the oldest plantings in the world (no prizes by the way for nominating 1927 as the year!) and we set the Australian benchmark for this varietal! Bright and intense with lifted floral, citrus & tropical fruits. A minerally edge and delightful acidity finish it all off and provide support for its long life ahead. 90 points – Lisa Perotti-Brown – The Wine Advocate
Tahbilk Viognier 2010 – Like Marsanne, Viognier has its origins in the French Rhone Valley so you could apply a logic that if Marsanne does well in our region so would Viognier (as would our third Rhone white, Roussanne – but that’s another story). We certainly think it does, but with a character that is all its own – perfumed rose petal characters, a heady splash of apricot fruits, cinnamon & spice all balanced with crisp acidity on the finish. You would do well to take the advice of our winemaking team who consider Tahbilk Viognier to be best enjoyed in its prime of youth!
Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – A low-yielding vintage sees a wine variously described as offering “powerful & intense black fruits” (James Halliday), “mint & cigar box characters” (Alister Purbrick) and being “quite grippy & muscular” (Ray Jordan). Various descriptions, singular enjoyment – do so now with Steak & Field Mushroom Pie or Roast Beef. 91 points – Lisa Perotti-Brown – The Wine Advocate
Tahbilk Shiraz 2007 - One for those who are already Tahbilk aficionados and one that will no doubt add to those numbers! “Giving a deep garnet-purple colour, the 2007 Shiraz is very peppery with notes of crushed blackberries and anise. The rich, primary-fruited, medium to full-bodied palate has a good amount of acid providing lift and a medium to high level of finely grained tannins, which are still a bit firm in the long finish.” 92 points – Lisa Perotti-Brown – The Wine Advocate
Tahbilk Shiraz 1860 Vines 2005 - “The 2005 ’1860 Vines’ Shiraz is just magic. Deep garnet in colour, it displays intense aromas of blackberry, smoky bacon, earth, cumin and allspice with a touch of roasted nut. The medium to full-bodied palate is seriously savoury with iron-ore, game and truffle nuances countered by crisp acid and a medium-high level of very finely grained tannins. The finish is long and complex.” 95 points – Lisa Perotti-Brown – The Wine Advocate
