Vine To Wine

The five acres of vineyard consists of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small portion set aside for Grenache and Malbec. The low yields and granitic soil deliver an intensity of flavour that sets their wines apart.

James implements a low-key spraying program that involves no insecticides. When ripe, the grapes are handpicked early morning then crushed in their winery where they are left to ferment for 12-16 days. The must is then basket pressed before being put to barrel.

The wines are vinified separately and aged in one-third new oak, being a selection of Bordeaux and Burgundy barrels, the older oak being two to three years old. The wines then sit, gathering influence and character for eighteen months. Blending of the barrels and varieties then takes place, finishing with bottling and laying to rest before release.

The entire process from harvest, right through to the bottling, is performed entirely at The Golden Ball.