The first 10 hectares of Shiraz were planted in 2003, while the following year saw the planting of one hectare each of Tempranillo and Monastrell as well as a further 8 hectares of Shiraz. One hectare of Sangiovese was planted in 2005.

Mark chose four different Shiraz clones for the vineyard, three from the Barossa (1654, 2626 and 1127) and one from Coonawarra (R6WV28).

Mark and Alberto met through their shared passion for Italian varieties, so it is only fitting that Sangiovese should have been planted. The clones were selected by Alberto in Italy, and are the best of the new Tuscan clones selected and propagated by the Rauscheder nursery in Italy.

Both are convinced that Tempranillo and Monastrell will perform as well in Heathcote as they do in their native Spain.

The vine density is 4,500 vines per hectare, about twice the average in the rest of Heathcote. This high density reduces the vines’ vigour, and gives a lower yield per vine which, we are convinced, results in better quality grapes.

Another innovation introduced by Mark and Alberto was to plant the rows in an east-west rather than north-south direction. The orientation of the rows protects the grapes against the fierce summer sun, ensuring a more gradual ripening process and resulting in livelier and more elegant fruit in the wines. ^top