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Returning to his home along the Nagambie Lakes after the completion of service during World War II, Eric Purbrick discovered a cache of wine, hidden circa 1876 under the family estate cellars. Though pale in colour, it was sound and drinkable after seven decades. The promise of long lived red wine inspired Purbrick to establish new plantings at Chateau Tahbilk in 1949, today they are some of Victoria's oldest productive Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Having barely scraped through the ravages of phyloxera and a period of disrepute, the fortunes of Tahbilk were turned around by Purbrick who was the first to market Australian wine under its varietal name. Tahbilk proudly hosts the largest, single holding of Marsanne on the planet. Tahbilk's original rows of Shiraz are commonly cited as one of the great vineyards of the world, regularly sampled at international competitions against illustrious icons such as Romanee Conti and Chateau Lafite, Vega Sicilia and Chateau.. Phyloxera, ancient cellars & seriously old vines»
Walkerville
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Walkerville
Walkerville is a very special place, nourished by decades of husbandry, rejuvenated by the brisk microclimes of Gippsland South, an extraordinary place to make precious vintages of world class Pinot Noir

The Rich family have been farming at Walkerville South Gippsland for five decades, mainly producing high quality lamb and beef. While they’ve spent many years on the land, developing animal production systems, a challenge that faces farms in Australia is to consider ways to make products that add value and uniquely reflect the characteristics of the region. The cool climate and good soil, sandy loam over clay, suitable aspects of different sites on the farm, provided an opportunity for growing premium cool climate wine grape varieties. Added to this, is the family’s passion for wine and precedence set by the region's small number of established vineyards and brands. Working with family members whose respective passion and professions have all helped to shape the foundation and direction.

Walkerville

The Rich family originally planted the vineyard in 2006, which true to form, was a difficult year due to the drought that was gripping Victoria. This threw up all sorts of challenges that forced them to learn the reality of managing a vineyard in Southern Gippsland. Without any neighbour to ask how they dealt with the different conditions, it’s been a steep learning curve that's ongoing, yet has created an enthusiasm to apply the knowledge learned to future vineyards that are now in the planning stages.

Since planting the vineyard, they have had every type of season thrown at them. Initially they started with droughts and within a couple of years weather conditions delivered two consecutive summers of the highest rainfall in South Gippsland on record.

Sub soil drainage has had to be adapted as has the trellis systems all in the pursuit of creating an environment that allows the vines to have the greatest opportunity to produce quality fruit, regardless of the weather conditions that the seasons may and will present.

Walkerville

In legendary vigneron Sandro Mosel, they found a winemaker who they’ve managed to interest and engage, who is prepared to work alongside the Rich family in the emerging South Gippsland wine region. They initially made a wine after 3 years which was sold in bulk. It was light, yet it revealed enough to give confidence and to continue shaping the vineyard. Two hundred dozen were made of vintage 2013, the first wine to be released commercially. They thought it fitting to name the wine after its very special location. Walkerville Vineyard was born.

Walkerville