Tucked in behind the little town of Murrumbateman is Shaw Vineyard, an award winning vineyard where you can ”expect the unexpected”.
The Vineyard
This is a family owned, cool climate vineyard producing Riesling, Semillon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with around 70 acres of vines. With over 300 awards from various Australian and International wine shows in the past few years, clearly the family is doing something special here. Their accolades include the title of Best Australian Cabernet Sauvignon from the London International Wine Challenge.
Arriving at the vineyard in the late afternoon we have missed the wine flights. Instead, the tasting menu (by the glass) is still available and so, we take a seat by the window to take in the views of the vines.
In the background we overhear Tanya and some of the staff doing tastings. They move through, chatting and comparing notes, discussing how it would best be served and the customer they might be targeting with each style and flavor.
As I sit back with my tasting glass, I reflect on the clear display of passion for the wines they are tasting as well as the business they are running. After all, they not only have to grow the grapes and turn them into an excellent product, it then takes marketing, customer service and a whole lot of business acumen to turn this investment into a successful venture. Something that this team has spent the past 30 years working towards.
There is a map on the wall that I wander over to study. It sets out the vine plantings in relation to our view. The boutique winery was established in 1998 on “Olleyville”, originally a 700 acre fine wool producing property that was founded in the mid 1800’s. There are now 53,580 vinces on site, the majority of which are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Cellar Door
I haven’t been able to go past a glass of the 2021 Estate Sparkling Cuvee. This is a refreshing bubbly with soft citrus and lemon on the palate*. It it balanced with delicate acidity and some natural sweetness. A lovely sparkling with a lingering, fresh finish. This particular vintage has won a gold and three bronze medals.
Jason selects a glass of the 2021 Estate Rosé which exhibits cherry and strawberry notes. The palate is dry and crisp with flavours of lemon, strawberry and watermelon with a lovely savory finish. It has won two silver and two bronze medals.
Another display shows off the medals and other awards. Many are local, Canberra and regional awards. Some are from NSW state and others are national. But don’t underestimate the success of this local gem. In 2018 the estate won 5 awards at the London Wine Competition with additional medals in 2019 and 2021. In 2020 the bush fires that ravaged Australia not only destroyed homes, livestock and lives but took out many crops. Most vineyards in the Murrumbateman area were affected, the smoke taint being so bad that the grapes were unusable to use.
I’m disappointed at having arrived too late for the wine flight. However, our tasting has been pleasant and I have enjoyed the experience of this particular visit. The architecture of the incredible cellar door space with a chance to sit and soak in the view and learn something about the vineyard has proved part of the adventure.
Fleetingly I wonder if we’ll have time to come back. This would make an appealing destination for a Sunday afternoon drive. Equally, Shaw Vineyard would be ideal for an out of town celebration, a significant birthday or perhaps a surprise date. For now at least, I satisfy myself with a future promise to expect the unexpected.
Good To Know
Shaw Vineyard Estate is located at 34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman, NSW. The cellar door is open 10am – 5pm, 7 days per week. Note that this is a cellar door only. Cheese platters and vineyard platters (cheese platter with the addition of cold cuts) are available to compliment the tastings.
If you are after something more substantial, visit Olleyville Restaurant. Located next to the cellar door, this is the estate’s on site dining experience.
* The tasting notes available at the Cellar Door have inspired the descriptions.
Would I Return?
Yes. Wine flight anyone?
