Tasting Notes for Current Vintage
James Haliday Rating: лллл
New Chum Gully Estate, home to Ridgeback Wines, is situated in the cool-climate region of South Eastern Australia, in Victoria's Yarra Valley. The property is nestled on the back of a high ridge in an old gold-mining area dating back to the 1850s. There are still remains of old mineshafts embedded in the clay soils. Ron and Lynne Collings established the vineyard in 1991, purchasing an old apple orchard, and gradually planted 10 acres of vines. Initially, they sold their top class fruit. Their own label was released for the 2000 Vintage.
Best viticultural practices, close planted vines, minimal cropping, a slow ripening season, hand-picking, French Oak and superb winemaking blend together to produce premium wines.
As well as its topographical connotation, the name Ridgeback was inspired by Tessa, the family Rhodesian Ridgeback. On reflection, it was apparent that the distinctive wines produced had characteristics in common with this fine aristocratic animal. They are robust, full bodied, yet elegant and refined, exhibiting silky, velvety textures which, with further aging, should mature to become well-rounded and enduring.
New Chum Gully Estate, with its wide-sweeping views to the Dandenong Mountains, is within easy reach of Melbourne suburbs and just 45 minutes from the CBD