Balgownie Estate Wines was  the first vineyard planted in the Bendigo district in more than 80 years and began the re-emergence of Bendigo as a significant area for wine production. The 33 hectare vineyard is situated on a gentle slope overlooking Myer’s Creek at Maiden Gully.

Colour is dark garnet and unctuous and the aroma is of black fruits, mint and spice with oak hints. The pallet is richly fruited with dark berries showing a touch of liquorice and classic spice notes. Tannins are soft and welcoming, the flavours long, complex and satisfying.

While frost reduced yields to an insane 20 tonnes for the entire 70 acres, there's no doubting the quality of fruit in this museum release. Aged 18 months in 30% new French barrique and since then gracefully developing more complex flavours. In excellent condition, thanks in part to the screwcap, its deep, dark-garnet hue belying its age, everything beautifully sewn together, the tannins, acidity, the fruit just a hint of black licorice and unctuous aged balsamic. Pitch-perfect now but still plenty of life ahead of it. Date: Jan 2018; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $95.00; Drink by: 2027; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion