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 CORKSCREW ROAD STORY
Corkscrew Road is one of the treks leading from the Adelaide Plains, winding up like a corkscrew into the ranges and on to Chain of Ponds. The winding nature of the road reflecting the close association to the wine industry and the hilly terrain of the Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills Wine Region is world renowned for making high quality chardonnay. Corkscrew Rd is no exception. First released in 2000, this wine is everything a good chardonnay should be. Good balance of tropical fruits and citrus fruits on the palate while honeydew melon and mango are complemented by toasty oak and a buttery creaminess. A tight acid backbone with good fruit length will give a longevity to the wine and careful cellaring should see it drinking well for a good number of years.
In the Vineyard
Selected from one super premium vineyard just out of Lobethal, with perfect aspect to give balanced acidity and freshness of fruit. Hand picked in the cool of the morning to preserve the crisp flavours right through to the bottle.
In the Winery
The grapes were whole bunch pressed and gently squeezed to retain all of the delicate varietal characters. One parcel was put to oak on full solids for fermentation while the other was partially clarified. Ferment was started in stainless steel and transferred to French oak barrels once ferment had commenced. This was followed by 14 months maturation on yeast solids. A small portion of the wine underwent malo-lactic fermentation to soften the acid and give body to the palate.
In the Glass
Colour Golden straw with a luminous green hue. Bouquet Intensely complex with an intense nose of peach, apricot, dried figs and freshly buttered toast. Underlying hints of citrus and apple with hints of cinnamon spice. Palate Well balanced primary and secondary fruit characters of stone fruits, honey, freshly buttered toast and hints of butterscotch cream balance well with the fig and spiciness. Soft, well integrated oak tannins with crisp acidity give length, intensity and weight to the rounded palate.
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