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Ridgeback Wines operates by the axiom that great wines are made in the vineyard, fine award winning boutique wines which are the product of meticulous viticulture
The Ridgeback vineyard is situated in the rolling hills that overlook the Yarra Valley in Victoria. It is located in a natural sheltered amphitheatre, and the sandy loam over clay soil is excellent for grape production. Modern trellis systems, low crop levels and attention to detail produce the top quality fruit that allows our winemakers to produce such excellent wines.
The name Ridgeback is descriptive of the vineyard location, being situated on the back of the main ridge at Panton Hill, but also directly alludes to our fine and aristocratic Rhodesian Ridgeback vineyard dogs, one of whom is proudly to featured the estate's label. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are varieties for which the Yarra Valley is renowned, and the wines Ridgeback makes from these varieties proves the point. Ridgeback Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlot are elegant and refined, exhibiting all the class and finesse for which these Bordeaux varieties are acclaimed.
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New Chum Gully Estate, home to Ridgeback Wines, is situated in the cool-climate region of Victoria's Yarra Valley. The property is nestled on the back of a high ridge in an old gold-mining area dating back to the 1850s. New Chum Gully Estate, with its wide-sweeping views to the Dandenong Mountains, is within easy reach of Melbourne suburbs and just 45 minutes from the CBD. There are still remains of old mineshafts embedded in the clay soils. Ron and Lynne Collings established the vineyard in 1991, purchasing an old apple orchard, and gradually planted 10 acres of vines. Initially, they sold their top class fruit. Their own label was released for the 2000 Vintage.
Best viticultural practices, close planted vines, minimal cropping, a slow ripening season, hand-picking, French Oak and superb winemaking blend together to produce premium wines. The elegant and refined Chardonnays display citrus and creamy flavours, with just a touch of vanilla. Earthy Pinot Noirs, so typical of the region, ooze with chocolate, roasted coffee and "forest floor", with an overlay of plums and black cherries. Subtle aromas of blackcurrant, sweet vanilla and cigar box, with just a hint of mint, epitomise the Cabernet Sauvignons.
The crème de la crème, from the small block of Merlot, shows luscious plum and mulberry fruits with classic tealeaf earthiness. Full, rounded and silky smooth blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot shows all the trade marks of this beautiful blend. All will age beautifully, but equally, drink well now, either alone or accompanied by food.
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A delicious dry Pinot Noir Rosé, made for Ridgeback by James Lance at Diamond Valley Vineyards entirely from fruit grown on ourthe Ridgeback estate. This wine is ideal for the Australian climate and to accompany al fresco dining and barbeques. Chilled Rosé! What could be better on a hot summer’s day? Ridgeback wines are still enjoying export success in the UK. Ridgeback have been featured at Balls Brothers winebars and restaurants in London, and from all accounts they have gone down extremely well.
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In 2006, Ron & Lynne decided to gracefully retire and sell their hard earned work to Sean Dixon and Kylie Dunscombe. Ron and Lynne saw the drive and excitement in the newcomers eyes and have happily allowed Sean and Kylie to follow in their well placed foot steps. Sean has spent the last 5 years gaining knowledge and valuable skills working part time at Evelyn County Estate, and then more recently at **Barwon Ridge Estate in Geelong and **also with Ken King of King's of Kangaroo Ground. Sean and Kylie have also established a small vineyard of Shiraz in the Upper Goulburn region at Yea, so we may see a Ridgeback Shiraz in the future.
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