Winery & Vintage Info
Ashton Hills Vineyard winemaker Stephen George has long been regarded as an early pioneer of the now well-established viticultural site, the Adelaide Hills.
Stephen established his 3ha dry-grown Ashton Hills Vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley in the early 1980s and began producing its first wines in 1987.
The style reflects the region’s strong similarity to Burgundy and production levels have stayed true to the boutique nature of the winery’s beginnings.
A blend of fruit drawn from our estate and Jim Grigg’s Cemetery Block taken in the earliest harvest on record for the Piccadilly Valley.
The 2016 growing season in the Adelaide Hills started early and was over in a flash. A warm spring resulted in early flowering and great flavour development, with stronger than average yields hand-thinned to maximise fruit flavour and concentration.
Three Piccadilly sites made the cut for this blend: the Ashton Hills vineyard; Jim Grigg’s Cemetery Block at Uraidla - a mainstay of this wine over the years; and the Bickles Road, Summertown block which is managed by the Blefari family.
This latest vintage is matured predominantly in seasoned French oak and there are five different clones contributing to the blend. Drink now or cellar for five years. Winery Notes
REVIEWS & ACCOLADES
93 POINTS
“From Stephen George’s famed Ashton Hills vineyard, now under the umbrella of Wirra Wirra wines, this is designated “Piccadilly Valley” as it includes fruit from nearby growers. This is such a lovely wine, with its violet fragrance and companion aromatics as you taste, and while quite powerful it sits evenly in the mouth with a cherry juice feel and soft spicy tannins that encourage just another little pour for good measure.”
The Advertiser, Tony Love’s Top 100 Wines - JUL 2017
91 POINTS
“Grown on both the Ashton Hills estate vineyard and on two nearby vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. Exquisite part of the world it is too. Vastly under-valued as a touring area. There’s a semblance of warmth but from there it’s pure Ashton Hills. Macerated cherries, a gentle sweet-sourness, oodles of spice, florals and a foresty/minty note. A general meatiness too. It has life, character and charm, and more than a little firmness to boot. Warmth is the only distraction.”
The Wine Front, Campbell Mattinson - JUN 2017
90 POINTS
“Fresh cranberries and caramelized orange peel on the nose. The fruit is vibrant and tangy on the palate. Fresh, medium-bodied and a medium finish.”
JamesSuckling.com, Nick Stock - JUL 2017
