Chain of Ponds
The Chain of Ponds winery was established in 1985 on the outskirts of Gumeracha, approximately 4km from the original township. While vineyards have been part of the makeup of the area since colonisation, the Chain of Ponds Winery was the first major planting of any note in the northern area of the Adelaide Hills Wine region.
Four thousand vines were initially planted, covering 9 varieties, consisting of 470 vines of each variety, which was further increased with an additional 150 acres planted in 1989. The first vintage being in 1988.
The winery has more recently extended the vineyard boundaries to source fruit from a much broader area of the region, which has added further complexities and subtleties to the wines themselves.
Chain of Ponds produces a wide range of products and varieties which are perfectly suited to this cool climate region.
The white varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Semillon and Chardonnay. The reds include popular Australian varieties: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as emerging and exciting varieties for the region: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo.
THE GRAVE'S GATE STORY
Named in memory and as a tribute to the families who lived at ‘Chain of Ponds’ from 1840 - 1970. All that now remains of the hamlet is the cemetery. The cemetery is protected by a stone wall and gate made from the stone from the original Christian Methodist church and the Morningstar hotel, both built in the mid 1800’s.
Cool Climate shiraz is quickly gaining popularity around Australia and the world. The palate is rich, with dominant blackcurrant and hints of dark plum and blackberry. Good tight acidity and smooth velvety tannins complement the spicy backbone of supporting oak. An underlying savoury character gives the wine an extra layer of complexity. The wine has great depth and length.
In the Vineyard
Selected from two vineyards one in the southern Adelaide Hills in the sub region of Kuitpo and the other in the north from Kenton Valley. Both are planted on easterly facing slopes. The blocks contain low yielding balanced vines which produce delicately flavoured and regionally characteristic wines. Both blocks are managed with open canopies allowing the fruit to remain clean and vibrant even in cooler years.
In the Winery
Fermented in static fermenters for 6 days on skins allowing the rich fruit characters to be fully extracted from the grapes. Pressed off skins and transferred straight to 1, 2 and 3 year old oak to finish ferment. The wine was matured in a combination of French and American Oak for 12 months.
In the Glass
Colour Deep purple with a vibrant plum hue. Bouquet Aromas of spiced plums, Christmas cake, black cherry and subtle freshly cracked white pepper with a hint of leather. Palate The palate is elegant and complex, displaying dark cherry, juicy plums with secondary characters of black olive and dried herbs. Medium bodied with a gentle and aromatic tannin structure. Soft, balanced acidity matches the delicate lingering fruit and spice which finishes with a hint of nuttiness. A perfect match to game and red meat, especially kangaroo or venison.
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