Our Vineyard

Our Vineyard

Location: Squitchy Lane is in the “dress circle” of Yarra Valley wineries. Our near neighbours include Yarra Yering and Coldstream Hills. Not much further away are Yeringberg and Oakridge, and most recently, Medhurst. This area has a slightly warmer growing season than other parts of the Yarra Valley, given its aspect and open nature.

What’s beyond doubt is the relatively cool nature of the climate overall—James Halliday mentions that the mean January temperature (an important climatic measure) is lower at Healesville than at Burgundy or Bordeaux. This cool climate is ideal for the great Burgundian varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It also favours the production of elegant, medium-bodied wines from the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Vines: The Squitchy Lane vineyard covers nearly seven hectares and is planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Clonal selection has provided diversity as you can see in the list below. These different clones ripen at slightly different times and allow us to pick each clone at the right time.

• Pinot Noir—MV6 and 114.
• Chardonnay—P58 and Dijon clone 95
• Cabernet Sauvignon—SA125 clone.
• Sauvignon Blanc—SA213 and H5V10
• Cabernet Franc and Merlot—unknown (previously planted).

Soil: The vineyard soil is predominantly grey-brown sandy clay loam that derives from the ancient sandstones of the Great Dividing Range. In places, the mixed rock and clay subsoil can be seen—in the MV6 block of Pinot Noir for example. These soils are not naturally fertile so our vines do not grow vigorously. The clay content in the soil provides a water-holding capacity that can be very useful in the dry years.