About
The vineyard is located in the heart of the Western District Farming country, approximately 150 kilometers south-west of Melbourne. Think dairy, beef, sheep, wheat, hay and forestry production. Irrewarra is surrounded by in land lakes and volcanic plains. It is a diverse and beautiful landscape that relies on a high amount of natural rainfall throughout the year. The Western plains are quite exposed to the elements which contributes to the vineyard sites mystic.
The soils across the slope of the site are a mixture of grey sandy clay loams at the south end to dark brown loams with fragments of buckshot and quartz gravels towards the north. All with underlying brown to yellow clays.
Overall, the soils remain very moist throughout the year because of the clay-based soil profile and annual rainfall of 885mm, resulting in the very attractive damp earthiness character in the fruit and wine.
It is a site that truly reflects the complexities and varietal characters of the vines that are planted in this cool climate region.
2025 Irrewarra Chardonnay
The 2025 Irrewarra Chardonnay is brilliant. Lovely white gold in the glass the palate cool from the fridge yet immediately giving. It has a softness that defers to finer notes of acidity, ripe citrus and barley sugar; delicate honey and creaminess. In a world where making everyone happy is next to impossible, this wine, in my opinion goes as close to universal appeal as it can. Generosity combined with finesse, flavour and restraint. It may seem contradictory, but this is a wine in which you see that conflict play out in the glass. It’s very, very delicious. As always, the big problem will be getting enough to drink and also keep some in the cellar. I found myself glugging rather than sipping, as it is such a pleasure to drink.
2024 Irrewarra Pinot Noir
Spice grip and char then softness, then more tart bright sinewy notes. The nose is petals and perfume, then darker, richer barrel notes. It is a really lovely aroma. Actually, calling it lovely diminishes it somewhat, this is unique, complex and entirely appealing for those looking for something more from a glass of Pinot Noir. There is a different oak profile maybe, something smokier, something more angular. It really works with this wine, even if I’m wrong about the new oak regime. Whatever it is, be it new or just more present, adds a layer to this wine. The Irrewarra only improves with each vintage, it seems, and this is no different. I sat with this for a little while and those spice notes just kept delivering, and each sip or sniff offered something new and delicious.
(Image: Irrewarra Vineyard | www.irrewarravineyard.com.au)