The Stonegarden vineyard was planted between 1857 and 1860, for reasons unknown, in the south eastern corner of the Eden Valley region of the Barossa. It’s cooler and drier than much of the region, resulting in tiny berries and low yields. The wines are intensely aromatic and their richness is offset by the natural freshness and cooler tones woven into the typically darker fruit profile. Planted predominantly with Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, with the odd old vine of one variety or another.
The more time I spend at Stonegarden, the more I discover the nuances of each patch of these ancient vines. Keeping specific areas within a single block separate, and in small batches, has rewarded us with more options when it comes time to put the final bottling blends together. This has given us the opportunity to make two distinct styles of Grenache and showcase the diversity of wines made from our historic vineyards. Ben Radford, Winemaker
It seems trite to argue the merits of traditional/contemporary Barossa, but great vineyards speak down the ages, whoever is at the helm, making wines in whichever way. The wines of Stonegarden are intensely aromatic, to a degree unmatched in the entire valley. Rich, of course, but not burdensome, and detailed with a wealth of dark and cool fruits, spices, flowers, chocolate, coffee and whispers of compost. Medium to full bodied, poised, elegant, with abundant freshness and long, resolved tannins. The tannins are woven so beautifully they meld with the fruit. Nothing jars. If I were to take a bottle from home, to remind me of home, Stonegarden would be a bottle I’d be taking.
A great vintage for Eden Valley Riesling, combining soaring aromatics, richness, complexity and precision. Vivid flavours of grapefruit, fresh lime, lime preserve, green mango, jasmine, cumin, green apple and white peach. Very pure mouthfeel, ripe thank heavens it’s not picked too early, and masses of freshness. Poised, elegant and immensely powerful, the fruit thrusting to the fore, finishing with lemon skin and salinity.
Stonegarden Northwest Grenache 2021
From vines planted in 1858 and 1854. This is really something, framed by cashmere tannins that run long, from beginning to end. Super aromatic, as with all the wines, a compote of fennel, aniseed, blackberry, blackcurrant, rhubarb, smoke and earth. Fresh and vibrant, very fine, with soft bones of structure and vivid red fruits on the palate. Purring and elegant,the length of flavour lasting minutes. One of my favourite Grenache of 2024 thus far.
Stonegarden Field Blend Grenache 2020
Richer, deeper and burlier than the straight Grenache. 85% of this blend is Grenache, with the difference made up of Mataro, Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is from a warmer part of the vineyard, with heavier soils and the fruit is correspondingly darker. Rounder in shape, wilder, with more exotic notes of cocoa, smoke, savoury spice and Italianate tannins. The differences between the two wines are definitely of the vineyard, more than their varietal makeup or winemaking. Such a great wine, its weight is in no way heavy and although the fruit is ripe, the palate is textured and savoury. Beef over coals please!
Stonegarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
One of Australia’s forgotten wines, Barossa Valley Cabernet is distinctive for its middle palate richness and sweetness of tannin. Classic Cabernet, with black fruits, blueberry, cigar box, milk chocolate and violets. Rich, medium to full bodied with lathered on fruit and lathered on tannins. There is an effortless poise and freshness to the character and weight, evident in all the wines. Nothing is overdone, or jarring, there is no sense of the forced, just awesome fruit treated with the utmost respect. What a wine.
Could this be anything other than Barossa Shiraz? One of the world’s most evocative wines, and it doesn’t seem to matter who it’s made by, the strength of Barossa Valley character always shines through. Expressive is an understatement; you can smell it from a dozen yards away. A compote of black, blue and red fruits, with violets, savoury and sweet spice. Rich and full bodied, the tannins polished, running the length of the palate, silk to velvet. At five years old, still in its infancy – all the elements balanced and resolved. Shall be a very long lived wine, just hitting cruise control.
