Bindi Dhillon Col Mountain Heathcote Shiraz 2017

Located in the Macedon Ranges, 50 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, Bindi is a family property owned by the Dhillon family. Originally part of the larger grazing farm 'Bundaleer,' Bindi is a 170-hectare farm with 7 hectares dedicated to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The property also includes 15 hectares of managed plantation eucalypts for high-grade furniture timber, while the remaining land is preserved as remnant bushland and important indigenous grasslands. At Bindi, the vineyard is the primary focus of their endeavours. The winemaking philosophy is centred around seeking balance and purity in the expression of the various individual vineyard sites and this philosophy is applied to farming and conservation at Bindi to preserve natural harmony. The Bindi labels featured under the 'wine styles' link provide insight into the people and places that define their endeavour. The stories behind each label showcase the passion and dedication that goes into producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Macedon Ranges. With a commitment to balance, purity, and conservation, Bindi is a true reflection of the Dhillon family's love for the land and their craft.

Michael Dhillon comes from a family with roots in Gisborne since 1853 and grew up on a farm in Bindi. He established a vineyard with Bill Dhillon in 1988 and now produces chardonnay and pinot with his family. Michael's winemaking journey began as an assistant to Stuart Anderson in 1991 and he assumed full responsibility in 1998. He gained experience in Europe, working with notable winemakers and visiting over 100 different domaines in Burgundy. Michael's connection to the land and experience have led him to produce exceptional wines.

At Bindi, the winemaking process is carefully controlled to produce exceptional wines. Fermentations occur without the addition of yeast, yeast nutrient, or enzyme, allowing the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through. Unsettled Chardonnay juice is transferred directly to barrels, while reds are gently worked with delicate pressing and long lees aging in French barrels. The winemakers follow strict protocols with minimal racking, no fining and restricted filtration regimes to preserve the purity and integrity of the wine. These meticulous practices result in wines that are a true reflection of the terroir and the passion of the winemakers.

The 2017 Col Mountain is based on the smooth and aromatic Shiraz clones PT23 and 1654 with a little of the robust and rich Yalumba and R6WV28. The Col Mountain wines, from deep red soil with a significant amount of shattered rock, are earthier and more structured than our traditional more northern source of Shiraz, Colbinabbin Estate, which has previously made up all, and now roughly 50%, of the Pyrette label. This fruit and earth wine is medium weight, spicy and has black cherry and plum aromas. It has lovely intensity through the mid and back palate. It is not heavy in any way, but rather smooth and intense, gently chewy and long. It is beginning to drink very well now and will cellar positively for another decade..

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Heathcote, Victoria
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%