Old vines the secret to classic Clare Valley shiraz, cabernet and grenache from Sevenhill Cellars

The oldest winery in Clare Valley introduces four classic reds and a new riesling rated by James Halliday as offering ‘exceptional value’.

No ‘winemaking tricks’ are required at Sevenhill.

It was the chance to work with seriously old vines that attracted award-winning winemaker Will Shields to the promised land of Sevenhill, Clare Valley’s oldest winery, established by the Jesuits in 1851.

After more than 25 vintages in Margaret River and New Zealand, Will is now bringing a contemporary tone to Sevenhill wines, making the most of its classic vineyard collection: the oldest grenache in Clare, century-old shiraz blocks (including a small portion planted in the 1850s) and an enviable selection of vines planted in the 1970s.

“I saw the potential of not just being known as the first winery in Clare but also being able to work with all of these old vines that are so nicely balanced now,’’ he says. “That was a real drawcard for me.”

The Australian Wine Club shines a spotlight on Sevenhill today, featuring four classy reds in a specially priced dozen – with the opportunity to add three bottles of superb Clare riesling given the red star for exceptional value in James Halliday’s Wine Companion.

Will, whose wines won dozens of awards during his time in the west at Vasse Felix and Clairault, was lured to Sevenhill in 2019, becoming only the second non-Jesuit entrusted with winemaking responsibilities.

“I’ve been paring things back more than anything, peeling back the layers of winemaking to see what the fruit can do,’’ he says.

“Many of those vines that are now hitting 50 years old and are so well balanced with their leaf-to-fruit ratio that they naturally produce a really good intensity of flavour and colour – we don’t need winemaking tricks.”

While Sevenhill (named after the seven hills of Rome) was also producing 90,000 litres of altar wine for churches across Australia and parts of Asia before Covid hit, Will is focused on continuing to build the winery’s reputation in serious wine circles.

“We have more than 50,000 people through the cellar door in a year so we are well known but we have probably flown under the radar a little bit,’’ he says. “It’s early days for me here but it’s about being seen as a consistent producer of excellent high-quality wines that showcase the fruit that we are so fortunate to work with.”

Sevenhill Cellars Estate Grown Inigo Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

From Clare’s brilliant 2018 vintage for reds. Intense cassis and mulberry flavours sing, with the backing of spearmint, juniper berry and earthy notes. Balanced tannins and acidity are in harmony across the palate. Lovely mouthfeel. 14.5% alc; RRP $28 a bottle.

SPECIALS $21.99 a btl in any dozen; $19.99 a btl in Sevenhill dozen

Sevenhill Cellars Estate Grown Inigo Clare Valley Shiraz 2019

Toasty oak, prunes, mocha and licorice aromas meld together setting the scene for generous dark-fruited flavours of plums and blackberries, threaded through with coconut and oatmeal nuances. Slow-braised beef cheeks would heighten the experience. 14.5% alc; RRP $28 a bottle.

SPECIALS $21.99 a bottle in any dozen; $19.99 a bottle in Sevenhill doz

Sevenhill Inigo Clare Valley Grenache 2021

Come savour pure, delicious grenache fruit from vines planted in the 1920s, without a hint of oak. Fresh aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and a sprinkle of cinnamon draw you in, leading to a finely detailed palate showcasing juicy fruits helmed by tart acidity. Another example of why Aussie grenache is on the rise. 14.5% alc; RRP $28 a bottle

SPECIALS $21.99 a bottle in any dozen; $19.99 a bottle in Sevenhill doz

Sevenhill Cellars Estate Grown Inigo Clare Valley Malbec 2021

 

Easy drinking, full flavoured malbec with lifted boysenberry, blueberry and blackcurrant aromas. Brimming with juicy fruit on the palate, moving towards bitter chocolate notes on the finish. Solid tannin structure. Fire up the barbecue. 13% alc; RRP $28 a bottle

SPECIALS $21.99 a bottle in any dozen; $19.99 a bottle in Sevenhill doz

SEVENHILL DOZENThree bottles of each wine above for $19.99 a bottle or six bottles each of the shiraz and cabernet above for $19.99 a bottle.

15-BOTTLE SPECIAL Add three bottles of Sevenhill Cellars Estate Grown Inigo Clare Valley Riesling 2022(RRP $25 a bottle, Halliday red star for exceptional value) for $18.99 a bottle across the 15 bottles.

Order online or telephone [phone] Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals only available while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550.