Single Minded

Taste the difference with single-vineyard wines.

The most captivating thing about good wine is that its taste can tell a story. One sip can reveal clues about where it was grown, its varietal composition or its maker.

Wines reflective of their origin are endlessly fascinating and the most intriguing of these are produced from a single plot of vines. The best examples have a signature that is evident even with seasonal variation.

What makes single-vineyard wines unique is that the grapes come from the same plot each year, so they display seasonal nuances. In warmer years, the wine displays a more generous flavour; cooler years result in more acidity and palate tension. These observations increase with time, so the wine becomes a snapshot of history.

Wineries using estate-grown fruit are a good source of single-vineyard wines. Henschke, for example, produces a number of single-vineyard options, including Mount Edelstone and the highly regarded Hill of Grace. The Hill of Grace Shiraz has been produced from a single vineyard since

1958. Yields are extremely low and the resulting wine is concentrated, weighty and supple.

One of my favourites is Tyrrell’s multi awardwinning Belford Semillon (current release is the 2014 vintage). Intense citrus flavours, depth and mid-palate richness are Belford Semillon’s hallmark, as is the length of flavour and ageing potential.

If you prefer chardonnay, Tapanappa’s Tiers Vineyard (Adelaide Hills) produces consistently excellent examples, while Wynns Coonawarra Estate (Coonawarra) is showcasing a special red-field blend from the O’Deas block.

When a vineyard is small and the quality is superb, demand can outstrip supply. The best way to get your hands on your wine of choice is to become a winery member. Members often get access to wines long before the general public. Since quantities are small, prices can be high. But it’s well worth it: drinking a bottle of a rare and special wine like Hill of Grace is an utterly unforgettable experience.