Whitsend Estate is relatively new in the wine game, but starting off carefully paid off well. All the fruit from their first harvest was sold to other wineries, and in 2001, they produced the first vintage under the Whitsend label. Owners Ross and Trish Baldwin envisioned a vineyard that would be a formidable force in the business – so far, so good.
The Baldwins developed the Whitsend vineyards in 1998. Today its vines lay across 13 hectares along the southern ridge of the Yarra Valley. The ridge divides the eastern and western plantings. Pinot and Viognier ripen earlier on the east side, while the later-ripening red grape varieties like Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted along the west side.
The Yarra Valley is known for its strong reds. The cool climate and the plentiful rains give way to big yields, and although frost can be a problem for the vineyards, Whitsend produces over 6000 cases worth of fruit a year. Most of the grapes are sold to Oakridge Winery. Both Cabernet and Merlot feature in the super premium Oakridge label known as 864, and often the Whitsend Shiraz is the only grape in the Oakridge 864 Shiraz.
With help from expert winemaker David Bicknell, Whitsend produces 500 cases of its own wine, exporting to the States, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia. You won’t find Whitsend featured in any wine shows, but wine critics like James Halliday will tell you wonderful things about their wines, particularly their Merlot and Cabernet Shiraz blend.
You be the judge!
You’ll find Whitsend Estate here: Whitsend Estate
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