To start our day, after umming and arring we went to what I like to call the Wild Card Entry. On such expeditions it is my responsibility to choose the wineries to visit and the order in which to visit them. I had a list of where I wanted to try and one kept popping up in my mind, really only because it sounds good. I knew nothing of the wine maker, the history, or what varieties they produce and there was very little information in the brochures that we had at hand. However when Mr Nomad asked for the directions to the next stop I got stuck at "turn left for Murrumbateman". We looked to be in the epicentre of the District and, with seemingly few roads off the Highway to get to the small clusters of wineries, I make a decision - "turn left on to Long Rail Gully Road". This is a nondescript left hand turn from the highway - no "WINERIES" signage or anything else alluding to my chosen destination. So it was with trepidation I say to Mr Nomad "keep going" and find myself on the receiving end of a sideways glance. After a few kilometres, and a quick pit stop to pick up some fresh figs, there it is, 'Long Rail Gully Wines'.
Long Rail Gully Vines
For a winery with very little marketing the wine and views are fantastic. Petra, an ex-Sydneysider, is our host for the tasting and demonstrates the Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Merlot. Yes, this is a young winery with young wine, but the style and freshness of the wines shines through.
Long Rail Gully
2005 Riesling
11% alcohol
Price: $20
From the new and unencumbered to a winery that really is the flagship of the area. Clonakilla. What a delight. For a winery that has quite a cult following the charm of this place is palpable.
Clonakilla Winery Murrumbateman
Hoping against hope that there be a stray bottle of Shiraz Viognier I am disappointed on this point. But only this point. It was a chance to taste the whole catalogue of wine on offer. The 2009 Viognier is savoury, subtle with beautiful spices and a depth of flavour.
Clonakilla
2009 Canberra District Viognier
14% alcohol
Price: $50
Note that the Shiraz Viognier 2011 is being released on the 1st September with a maximum of 3 bottles per person so gather your friends!
Our afternoon consisted of three more wineries Dionysus, Jier Creek and Gallagher Winery. All very good quality drops but my pick would be the Riesling from Jier Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon from Dionysus, and the Shiraz at Gallagher along with the view. Greg Gallagher was senior wine maker at Taltarni and makes very good quality, affordable wines while his wife's cheese is exceptional. We end our tasting day here and so, after spreading out the picnic basket, we open a jar of herbed labne balls, a bottle of Gallagher Shiraz, the sun is setting over the vineyard and, with Charlie running through the long grass we have pure bliss. I know - simple pleasures!
Charlie enjoying Gallagher Winery
Dionysus
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
15% alcohol
Price: $22
Jier Creek
2010 Riesling
12% alcohol
Price $--
Gallagher Wines
2008 Shiraz
14% alcohol
Price: $21
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