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 LEDGE STORY
ARNOLD CAUST - ‘THE LEDGE’: On Saturday afternoon January 6 1906 Charles Arnold Caust (27 years of age) ventured to Henley Beach in South Australia with his little child, to review notes of a sermon he was preparing to preach next morning. Soon after his arrival at the Henley jetty, he saw a yacht overturned in the water; the father and several boys, who were unknown to him, were holding onto the side to save themselves. There appeared no means available to affect a rescue. Several were pointing to a boat in the vicinity tied to a buoy.
Cool Climate Shiraz is quickly gaining popularity worldwide. This is our top rated Shiraz and shows all the characteristics that you would expect from this Premium cool climate region. Intense spice and liquorice, good strong plum and mulberry fruits, well balanced nose with a hint of perfumed violets and chocolate. Generous upfront fleshy fruit, with distinct plums and dark cherry flavours.
In the Vineyard
Selected from two vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, one in the south from the subregion of Kuitpo and the other from the north near Kersbrook. Row and vine selection was performed prior to harvest and selective harvesting was employed in order to use only the best fruit in this wine. The northern vineyard ripens earlier and provides much darker broody fruit while the southern block adds elegance and finesse.
In the Winery
Harvested at optimal maturity the grapes were destemmed and crushed into small open fermenters and hand plunged twice daily for the duration of the 7 days spent on skins . The free run and pressings were separated and drained directly to barrels to complete primary fermentation in oak followed by malolactic fermentation. During ageing only the very best barrels were selected for Ledge Shiraz. The selected barrels were aged for a period of 24 months to soften and integrate flavour and tannin profiles.
In the Glass
Deep plum with a plum red hue. Bouquet The aroma displays mulberries and plums with nuances of cigar box and cedar with a touch of white pepper. Palate Intense fruits of mulberry, blackcurrant, plums and hints of blackberry combine with chestnuts and cashew with hints of savoury oak. Firm linear acidity is balanced with smooth velvety tannins. Brilliant intensity with persistence and length of both fruit and savoury flavours. A perfect accompaniment to rich red meat dishes.
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