YarraLoch

This is the ambitious project of successful investment banker Stephen Wood. He has taken the best possible advice and has not hesitated to provide appropriate financial resources to a venture that has no exact parallel in the Yarra Valley or anywhere else in Australia. Six hectares of vineyards may not seem so unusual, but in fact he has assembled 3 entirely different sites, 70km apart, each matched to the needs of the variety/varieties planted on that site. Pinot noir is planted on the Steep Hill Vineyard with a northeast orientation and a shaley rock and ironstone soil. Cabernet sauvignon has been planted at Kangaroo Ground with a dry, steep northwest-facing site and abundant sun exposure in the warmest part of the day, ensuring full ripeness. Merlot, shiraz, chardonnay and viognier are planted at Upper Plenty, 50km from Kangaroo Ground. This has an average temperature 2°C cooler and a ripening period 2-3 weeks later than the warmest parts of the Yarra Valley. -JAMES HALLIDAY