Ravensworth Estate Shiraz Viognier Its hard to fully describe the Ravensworth Estate Shiraz Viognier without some reference to the Langtons Classified Exceptional Clonakilla SV. Ravensworth co-founder and winemaker Bryan Martin has been Tim Kirks righthand man at Clonakilla since 2004. He even makes his wines at the Clonakilla winery. But the fruit is all Ravensworth. ...'made from fruit grown our way.'- Bryan Martin Bryan Martins approach in the vineyard to encourage the health of the soil and diversity of the plant life. The wine is edgier than its Clonakilla equivalent but theres no mistaking the Rhône-inspired red-fruited, spicy, aromatic and floral style of Murrumbateman SV. It is one of the most desirable and sought-after wines from the region.

This is only the second time Bryan Martin has bottled a straight Syrah from his estate vineyard, and it’s one for the purists. No Viognier, no whole bunches - just pristine Shiraz fruit handled with patience and restraint. The wine was fermented as whole berries, left on skins for an extended six weeks, then pressed to a single new Taransaud puncheon. Two years in barrel has given it polish and depth without drowning out the fruit. It’s a different voice to the more perfumed Shiraz Viognier Ravensworth is known for - darker, more savoury, with fine tannins and real structure. Think black fruits, spice, a touch of earth, and a long, measured finish. Made in tiny quantities (just 60 dozen), this is a rare and thoughtful expression of Canberra District Shiraz - one that will reward a decade or more in the cellar, but already shows the precision and finesse that defines Bryan’s wines.

Murrumbateman is perfect area for this variety producing wine with cherry, nutty dominated flavours with a hint of spice and juniper too. The palate is medium weight with a great acid balance and fine tannins. Have with any kind of food that resembles Italian - a great food wine.

Bryan Martin has always had a soft spot for Italian grapes, and his latest Fiano makes it pretty clear why. Sourced from the sun-soaked Hilltops, just north of the Canberra District, this is a white wine with some real depth behind its good-time glow. Fiano’s naturally high acidity and gentle savoury edges play right into Bryan’s texture-focused winemaking style. It’s pressed straight to old puncheons for wild ferment and a long rest on lees, which gives the wine weight and detail without muting the freshness. Think white stone fruit, a flicker of lemon rind, maybe even a little almondy waxiness - all tied up with a saline snap that makes you want another sip. This isn’t a showy white, but it’s full of character. A little Mediterranean flair, made with care, and built for drinking any time: from sunny lunches to seafood dinners and everything in between.