Quality Above Quantity
The historic
Mt Ophir Estate rises majestically above the gently rolling plains to the
south-east of the small township of Rutherglen in the north east of
Victoria, Australia.
Blessed with
gloriously long hours of sunlight from December through to March followed
by beneficial cool airflows from the nearby high country during the
dormant season, Rutherglen has become one of the world’s premier wine
regions.
Established
in 1891 by the English wine merchant, Peter Bond Burgoyne, Mt Ophir Estate
became the largest state-of-the-art wine making facility in the world. “BY
APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING” on a plaque, above the entrance,
saluted all who entered.
The
distinctive architecture of the magnificent French Provincial tower, along
with the Cape Dutch cellars, are some of the estates most obvious
attractions. The hand-made red brick winery buildings resemble the colours
of Uluru at sunset.
Although the
halcyon days when 740 acres of vines were tended by more than 30 workers
to meet the demand for its generous reds and richly fortified wines are
long gone, the current owner, Ruth Hennessy has revitalized the residual
140 acre estate with her vision and passion.
She has
lovingly attended the replanting of 10 acres of vines, re-established
gardens, and orchards, planted an olive grove together with thousands of
Australian native trees to enhance remnant vegetation hundreds of years
old. Along with introducing emu and deer to this magnificent landscape,
original estate houses now restored, make up the complex creating a truly
unique accommodation and organic farm experience.
Through her
nurturing hands Ruth is restoring the natural balance to the environment
where one can literally hear the sound of the grapes growing.
As in the
times of yore, the vines are tended without the use of toxic chemical
inputs. Quality above quantity is the philosophy behind the handmade
wines produced utilising a simple basket press to ensure the fruit is not
bruised.
Limited
releases of the Mt Ophir Estate Shiraz are available for those who value
sound production methods and the many benefits to health and social well
being while not foregoing flavour.
‘The Wine that Makes Australia Famous’
Established in
1891 by the English wine merchant,
Peter Bond Burgoyne, Mt Ophir Estate became the
largest state-of-the-art wine making facility in the world.
“BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING”
on a plaque, above the entrance, saluted all who entered.
Click here to download
brochure.
Mount Ophir Estate: "The Place to Stay"
You’ll find
Mount Ophir Estate in the quiet rural district of Rutherglen in northern
Victoria, Australia. The 140 acre property has 360-degree views of the
surrounding area, including the Murray River Basin and the Snowy Mountains
to the east.
The Estate
was established in 1891 and 100 years ago was regarded as the largest
state-of-the-art wine making complex in the world. Today, listed as a
National Trust property and classified under Heritage Victoria, it is a
functioning organic farm and tourist accommodation facility. The French
provincial tower has been transformed into a 5-star suite - a spiral
staircase leads to the second floor library and then up to an exclusive
room for two at the top. The B&B is in the main homestead, historically
called “The Bungalow” and there are two other private self-contained farm
houses for your group getaway.
Products from the Estate
Wine Tasting Notes
Historically
a non-irrigated site with plenty of northerly sunshine, the “Mount Ophir”
Estate grows a wonderful rich fruity vintage each season. All the berries
are carefully handpicked then gently basket pressed to produce premium
Shiraz from land that has been free of toxic chemicals and fertilisers for
at least 30 years. The wine is then made with minimal preservatives to
organic wine making standards from vines planted in the late 1990’s.
2001
Our first vintage is drinking well after nearly 5 years cellaring. This
was such a small quantity that it is not readily available for sale.
2002
Our second vintage produced from these low yielding dry land vines has
resulted in a full flavoured wine with rich licorice flavours, full bodied
palate and intense ripe Shiraz fruit characters to match its amazing
colour. After being carefully handpicked the fruit was basket pressed
before spending 5 to 6 days on skins and 6 months in oak. 14.6% alc/vol.
2003
Our third vintage of fewer than 50 dozen bottles is a powerful wine
produced during a drought from very ripe grapes. After a full year in
French oak the high alcohol and concentrated tannins have integrated well
to produce a hearty Shiraz best suited to enjoy with richly sauced
marinated venison or slow oven-cooked succulent beef. For optimum
indulgence this great wine should be decanted. 16.2% alc/vol.
2004
Our fourth vintage, still drought affected, produced more floral high
notes in the fruit. It was lightly oaked in French oak for 6 months to
produce a Shiraz similar in character and quality to its predecessors.
13.9% alc/vol.
2005
With the vines coming into their 5th vintage there has been an increase in
the volume of the rich ripe fruit to 3.8 tonnes picked at 14.4% alc/vol.
The unusual late summer rain plumped the berries prior to the long hot
autumn ripening. Again this is a wonderful full flavoured wine with depth
of colour and intense fruit characters to match. It will be bottled at the
end of 2005 to be available in 2006. It is currently sitting quietly
maturing in French oak!
Click here to download
brochure
Click here for food at Mount Ophir
WARNING
Under the Liquor Control Reform
Act 1998 it is an offence
