Mar 2001 Volume 82 Number 3
"serving the protectors"
| Mar 2001 Volume 82 Number 3 "serving the protectors" |
|
IN THE NAME OF MAWSON |
|
| By Mark Altmann |
Mawson Ridge Vineyard bears a significant connection to legendary Antarctic explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson. Owned and operated by vintners, Raymond and Madeleine Marion, the premium wine estate lies nestled in the Adelaide Hills town of Lenswood – on Mawson Rd, which was named after Sir Douglas himself.
After his second voyage to Antarctica, Mawson purchased large areas of land in the Lenswood district in the late 1930s. He harvested the Stringybark eucalypts and planted softwoods. Unfortunately, the whole project ended when the area was devastated by bushfires on “Black Sunday” in January 1955.
Mawson Ridge was planted to vineyards in 1993.
In the prime, cool climate of the Adelaide Hills viticultural region – which has won world acclaim for its quality and distinctive wines – the vineyard lies on the northern slopes of the picturesque Onkaparinga Valley. With its wet winters and cool summers, the Lenswood area is ideal for fine wine production. And Mawson Ridge vineyard’s high altitude (550 metres) combined with low-fertility soil adds to the ingredients of the “terroir”.
The Marions originally planted one acre of vineyard but steadily added acreage as years past. Now, they have planted 12 acres with varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, which all excel in the cool climate.
Within the next 12 months, Mawson Ridge will release a Pinot Gris and a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bordeaux blend will be marketed as “The Stringybark Cutter”, to connect with the early history of Lenswood’s Stringybark forests, which were harvested by the hardwood pioneers.
The Marions aim only to release fine, distinctive wines. Their recent vision of operating from a “cellar door” has been realized with the opening of premises in nearby Hahndorf. Here, one can sample their wines while surrounded by the history of Mawson’s Antarctic feats.
Local crafts are also on show in this unique cellar-door environment. One can browse through a variety of locally produced ceramics, cane ware, jams, chutneys and gift baskets.
Mawson Ridge Chardonnay 1999
This wine has an appealing nose and is ripe with mouth-watering aromas of stone fruit and melons, but a hint of tropical fragrances.
These fragrant notes translate directly onto the palate that has a soft middle, good depth and clean finish, which is not overpowering. In the mouth, it is long and concentrated with flavours of fig and cashews. These flavours are robed in attractive touches of toasty oak due to the maturation in older American oak. The newly released 2000 Chardonnay has been maturated in new oak, and the difference is distinguishable.
Drink it now with a barbecued swordfish, or be patient and cellar it for one to two months.
RRP per bottle: $19.80
Mawson Ridge Pinot Noir 1999
When it is held to the light, this wine has a medium light purple-red hue.
It bears clear aromas of intensely perfumed berry, spice and oak, while the fermentation period in the barrel leads to the eastern spices and assertive oaks.
These aromas translate to the palate, where the oak tightens the finish and leaves a grip. It tastes rich, smooth and long, with lively acid and finely tuned tannins. The aftertaste reveals a great depth, with the fruit of strawberries clearly apparent.
This wine remains, in some respects, a youngster. But, as with many fine pinots, it will benefit from airing which will allow it to build some character within the bottle.
Try serving it with some old fashioned roasts – like rabbit or pigeon – covered in a gamey sauce.
RRP per bottle: $20.90
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |