"Once again the most respected name in the region... with powerful, intense Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Both outstanding."
James Halliday (2007)
Winemaking
The two most feted wines produced at Balgownie Estate are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which have earned much praise from wine judges and critics over the past 30 years. For reviews of the current vintage Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz please visit our “News and Reviews” page.
In recent years Balgownie Estate has also re-introduced small amounts of Estate grown pinot noir and chardonnay to its premium range. Both these wines were much sought after in the late 1970s and early 80s and small quantities of these new releases are now available direct from the cellar door at Maiden Gully.
Mark Lane – Winemaker
It was Mark’s passion for Cabernet that took him to Margaret River in 1997, where he spent the majority of his 12 years establishing two major ‘new wave’ wine brands, namely Flying Fish and Swings & Roundabouts. Mark Lane was awarded WineState Winemaker of the Year, 2008.
In January 2009 Mark Lane was lured back to his home state of Victoria by this reputable Victorian vineyard, Balgownie Estate. He is just the 4th winemaker to grace Balgownie Estate in its 40 years.
His move back to Victoria was driven by the opportunity to work on this iconic central Victorian wine brand, highly regarded for its Cabernet (established by Stuart Anderson in 1969). The new Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley site, specifically the Pinot Noir, was also a huge draw card.
Viticulture
Situated on a gentle slope overlooking the Myers Creek at Maiden Gully, the 60 acre vineyard is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The regions’ deep soils and long hours of summer sunshine are ideal for the production of full-bodied wine styles.
The vineyard is grown on natural principles, which minimize the impact on the environment. These practices involve minimal intervention so as to bring the full flavor and intensity of every vintage.
Balgownie wines are well known for their consistent high quality, a standard that has become their trademark.
WINES