The Grampians region in Western Victoria has long been treasured for its golden rolling hills and tall gum trees, possessing a climate that is well desired for some of the country’s most popular varieties like Shiraz and Riesling. It’s for this reason that the Montara Winery is held in high regard and trusted when it comes to producing inexpensive, high quality wines to justify it’s recent award of five-stars in the authoritative James Halliday’s 2016 Wine Companion directory. The five-star status has certainly perked our interest, so for our latest On the Shelf we take a look at two of Montara’s releases – first, the 2015 Montara Grampians Gold Rush Riesling, and second, the 2013 Montara Grampians Gold Rush Shiraz.
The family-owned, boutique winery is around 200 kilometres west of Melbourne and presents a beautiful Cellar Door experience with panoramic views of the dramatic Grampians mountain ranges. The 19 hectare property was established back in 1970 before being purchased by the Stapleton family who brought on Chief Winemaker Leigh Clarnette to work with the region’s low average temperatures to produce high quality cool climate wines in both red and white varieties. Their 100% estate grown wines are complemented on-site by the diversity and spirit of Montara, upheld by a group of six siblings from the family who help run the whole show.
Gold Medal winning at last year’s Victorian Wines Show, the 2015 Gold Rush Riesling is the next step for a variety that was once included in the top 100 for Victoria (the 2014 Montara Grampians Estate Riesling), an off-dry style wine that speaks well to its youthful acidic character, bringing in that crispy balance of acidity and fruit that, although a bit thin, has a burst of flavour. Much of that flavour is in the nose and on the front palate, bringing a sour smack of lemon, before dropping off quite quickly. You can grab a bottle for $22.99 from the Montara website HERE.
Montara’s reds are full of intense and complex layers of fruit, connected with the cool climate, and this shows in the Gold Rush Shiraz, with ripe dark berries on the nose being the most perceptible followed by a zesty, peppery hint of spice. The 2012 vintage holds two gold medals, a reputation the 2013 holds up to with its complex palate. The tannins are a bit strong here but they are balanced well with rich flavours of blackberries and mocha. You can grab a bottle for $24.99 from the Montara website HERE.
———-
