May is for Mayford
May brings the inevitable transition from the golden hues of Autumn to the chill of winter's welcome. The leaves fall from the trees and scatter across the footpaths. Crisp air weaves its way through daylight, signalling the dawn of a new season.
We stand between autumn & winter to welcome our May release from the Alpine Valleys:
the 2018 Mayford Ovens Crossing.
Beginning with an air of intrigue, reminiscent of the distinguished qualities found in illustrious Italian wines such as Nebbiolo or Aglianico, the 2018 Ovens Crossing unfolds its layers like a carefully orchestrated symphony. Within its depths, dark, tarry notes intertwine with fragrant earthiness: think cigar box, red currant, chicory, musk.
As the lid opens, the true complexity of this wine reveals itself. Although of medium weight, the palate is exudes a seamless integration of dark, exquisite fruits, harmonised spices and subtle tobacco leaf nuances. Length & liveliness underscored by sinewy tannins intricately bind together the essence of this creation.
With a combination of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon handpicked from the ridge of the original Tempranillo block, the 2018 Ovens Crossing is inwardly concentrated and beautifully balanced.
Alpine Valleys
Tucked into the northern foothills of the Victorian Alps, the Alpine Valleys boast spectacular landscapes, including the likes of Mount Beauty & Bright. The Mayford vineyard is set in the cooler, more southern end of the Alpine Valleys, with Mount Buffalo serving as it's dramatic backdrop.
The proximity of the mountains shapes the Mayford terroir, with climate moderated by the beauty of the ranges. The unique climate enables grapes to ripen fully but slowly, allowing for retention of aromatic intensity. Mayford prides itself on a highly selective harvest, hand picking small parcels across the vineyard to ensure optimal flavour and tannin ripeness.
A winemaker and viticulturist meet. The rest is Mayford.
For winemaker/vigneron couple Eleana Anderson and Bryan Nicholson, Mayford Wines is the culmination of many years of collaborative endeavour. A modest planting of Shiraz in 1995 marked the first for the vineyard, which started as a weekend hobby for Bryan. Chardonnay and Tempranillo, varietals known for great success in the Alpine Valleys, followed in 2002 and in-house winemaking began soon after that, with Eleana embracing the opportunity to build her own winery from the ground up. After a long period of juggling family commitments and financial hardship, the first Mayford wines were released in 2007.
From their launch, Mayford wines have been lauded with glowing reviews and an almost cult customer following. Regarded as the benchmark for cool climate wines, Eleana & Bryan showcase the region in such a beautiful light akin to the glimmer that marks the mountains that shadow the vineyard itself.