Victoria - Some fruitful recommendations for the Yarra Valley
Louise Johnson
Punt Road Cellar Door
Kate Goodman, winemaker at Punt Road Wines in the Yarra Valley, is one of the hottest young winemakers in Australia. After studying oneology she worked in McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, California, Champagne and Spain before spending six years at Seppelt's Great Western Winery. In 2000 she joined Punt Road Wines and created the first release under the new label in 2001.
Here she shares some of her recommendations.
Punt Road wines is owned by the Napoleone family who established Red Rich Fruits in the 1940's, growing apples and stone fruit. In 1987 the Napoleone Vineyard was planted at Coldstream in the Yarra Valley and since then more sites in the region have been planted, with 75ha in vines today.
Kate says the opportunity to be involved in a family business with their own mature vineyards and a focus on premium wines was a huge drawcard when she started at Punt Road.
"Also, to be able to create a wine brand from scratch, allowing me to develop the style rather than follow the footsteps of someone else. Punt Road now has a great reputation in the marketplace and a small dedicated team who are all passionate about crafting great wines. From a lifestyle perspective I couldn't go past the Yarra Valley , it is a wonderful place to live," she says.
Punt Road suffered minor fire damage during the February 2009 bush fires.
"We had some fire damage to the property - a section of orchard, machinery sheds, equipment and a significant number of established trees that lined the property, but compared to many our damage is minor. All our families and staff are safe and trees can be replanted and tractors purchased. The cellar door has had a new coat of paint and is definitely open for business."
A treat at the Coldstream cellar door is the opportunity to taste some of the limited release wines made to honour one of Punt Road's founders, Michael Vivian Napoleone (hence the MVN).
"There are two limited release wines on tasting [April 2009], our 2005 MVN cabernet sauvignon and the 2006 MVN pinot noir. Both of these have just been released.
"The MVN range is made in very small quantities, from our best vineyards in the best years. Only one wine is made each season. They have great varietal intensity and the ability to age. They are delicious and something a little special," says Kate.
Punt Road has also recently begun production of Apple Cider, which is only available at the cellar door. "The Napoleone family who own Punt road, are also third generation orchardists, so the cider was a natural progression. All the fruit comes from the apple trees surrounding the cellar door and winery."
10 St Huberts Rd
Coldstream VIC 3770
Australia
Kate's top three stops in the Yarra Valley:
"Not only are the wines good but you can drop into the TarraWarra Museum of Art and take in the wonderful modern Australian Art collection. Definitely not to be missed and highlights that there is something in the valley for everyone," says Kate.
311 Healesville Yarra Glen Road
Yarra Glen VIC 3775
"Sean and his team will point you in the right direction, be it a hard to find local wine, boutique producer or just your favourite tipple."
310 Maroondah Highway
Healesville VIC 3777
The Red Shed Cafe at Medhurst Wines
"This is one of the best places in the Valley to take in the view whilst enjoying the papers over coffee and breakfast or laughter and lunch with friends. The food is great , staff friendly and the view is breathtaking ."
24 Medhurst Road
Gruyere VIC 3777
One perfect day ..
After dropping by the farmers market at Yering Station I'd then head up to the Red Shed for a very leisurely breakfast over newspapers. If you linger long enough you can even justify a glass of the delicious Rose. After breakfast, perhaps a walk at Donnelly's Weir then a spot of wine tasting - at Dominique Portet and Punt Road, of course. A stop at the Kitchen and Butcher in Healesville to collect supplies for a great home cooked meal on Sunday night.
Regions
- Melbourne Surrounds (VIC)
- Yarra Valley (Wine) (VIC)
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