Schild Estate: a family affair

It took the Schilds 84 years to become grape growers. Since that time they have moved at the speed of a startled gazelle.

Schild Estate shirazes.

It took the Schild family 84 years to become grape growers, establishing their first Barossa Valley vineyard in 1952, and another 46 years to make the first Schild Estate wine (in 1998). Since that time they have moved at the speed of a startled gazelle, assembling 11 vineyards totalling 134ha, producing 40,000 cases of Schild Estate branded wine, and selling hundreds of tonnes of grapes a year.

In a family tree of four generations, it’s crystal clear that Ed Schild, the youngest member of the third generation, was responsible for this amazing growth. He became the head of the family on October 11, 1956 when his father died unexpectedly. Ed was 16 years old, and another six years were to pass before he married Lorraine Dittrich. Two of their four children, Michael (head vigneron) and Leanne (exports and logistics manager) work at Schild Estate, and there are five grandchildren marking the fifth generation. In 2000 the cellar door opened in the former ANZ Bank building in Lyndoch – only one year after the release of the first wines. In 2010 a new winery opened on the Valley of Hope Vineyard.

One of Ed’s virtues has been his willingness to seek advice from consultants on many of the issues that have inevitably risen, including the grape surplus that led to the 1987 Vine Pull Scheme, and the recession of the early 1990s. As Ed is now in his 80s, the need for succession planning led to the creation of the external position of CEO. Sue Henderson was appointed in 2018 following an impressive career in Australia and NZ with key producers including Burch Family Wines and Grant Burge Wines.

Chief winemaker is Scott Hazeldine, born and raised in Malawi, educated in the UK and lured to Australia by its wines. His work with producers in the Barossa was interposed with experience in the Napa Valley and Bordeaux. It’s a great blend.

2017 Schild Estate Moorooroo Barossa Valley Shiraz

Four rows planted by the Jacob brothers in 1847, and saved from destruction by Ed Schild in 1984. Hand-picked, open-fermented, 24 months maturation in 90% French oak. A great wine, the oak handling exemplary, keeping the cornucopia of purple/black fruits foremost. 14.5% alc, cork 99 points, drink to 2057, $199

2018 Schild Estate Barossa Valley Shiraz

From family vineyards in Lyndoch and Rowland Flat, matured in French and American oak. It is medium-bodied, and as fresh as a daisy with its shower of red and dark cherry fruits, its modest oak carried with ease. 14.5% alc, screwcap 95 points, drink to 2035, $24

2017 Schild Estate Wines Ben Schild Reserve Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Shiraz

Picked and bunch-sorted by hand, berry-sorted by the destemmer, open-fermented, 5-7 days cold soak, 7-14-day ferment, 18-24 months in French oak. A high-quality wine that ticks all the boxes, especially length and balance. 14.5% alc, screwcap 95 points, drink to 2042, $36