Pinot Files: with Ashton Hills and William Downie
19 August 2008
"Stephen George wears three winemaker hats: one for Ashton Hills, drawing upon a 3.5-ha
estate vineyard high in the Adelaide Hills; one for Galah Wines; and one for Wendouree. It would be hard to imagine three wineries with more diverse styles, from the elegance and finesse of Ashton Hills to the awesome power of Wendouree. The Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have moved into the highest echelon." James Halliday
Every year the wines from Ashton impress and the current vintage is no exception. As always the Pinot's lead the way, oozing class across the board; from the Piccadilly Valley through to the Reserve. It's the layers, power and conviction that these pinot's command, putting them at the forefront of Adelaide Hills pinot. This year for us the Whites have really stepped up too, in particular the Three blend.
Check out the wines from Ashton Hills
Whilst on the subject of pinot noir, the new releases from the former Gourmet Traveller "Young Wine Maker of the Year" William Downie are now upon us and once again Bill has created seamless and seductive wines. What a star!
"There aren't too many Australian winemakers that have bathed in the limelight more than this young prodigy of the Yarra Valley has in recent times. Downie, an accomplished hand when it comes to pinot noir, has stepped out from the De Bortoli camp and purchased his own patch of dirt in Gippsland. He's also signed up to produce a substantial amount of Australian pinot noir (and a few other wines) destined for the US market. Meanwhile, Downie has added a Mornington Peninsula cuvee to partner his Yarra Valley wine, and it looks every bit the part."
NICK STOCK, What's Hot 2008, Australian Gourmet Traveller
Check out the new wines from William Downie
