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.

RAVENSWORTH Charlie Foxtrot Gamay Noir, Murrumbateman

Bryan Martin has been producing thought-provoking wines in Murrumbateman wine country since 2001. Their Estate vineyard is managed sustainably, focusing on soil health, and foregoing synthetic chemicals, herbicides, and fertilisers. Fruit is also sourced for their Regional Series from the surrounding Young, Hilltops & Canberra District regions. The 2022 Regional Sangiovese marks the 20th vintage producing this varietal, with fruit sourced primarily from the Hilltops region with a splash of Murrumbateman for elegance. After spending 3 weeks on skins as whole-berries, the wine is pressed to small 5 year old French oak casks for élevage, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Zin-Zin Baby is Bryan Martin’s playful spin on Primitivo, sourced from a small, sun-soaked vineyard that gives naturally generous fruit. 2024 was all about keeping that richness in check – the grapes were picked on the earlier side, then given a gentle ferment to keep tannins supple and the wine fresh. It’s plush and dark-fruited, with blackberries, plums and a little spice, but there’s enough acidity to stop it from feeling heavy. The style is all about drinkability – full of flavour, not weighed down, and dangerously easy to pour another glass. Made in small quantities and with Bryan’s usual light touch, it’s Primitivo that’s more about energy than sheer power. Best enjoyed young while it’s bursting with fruit.

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.

This Shiraz Viognier has aromas of spice, red fruit and cedar. It is very aromatic with the same spiced fruit flavour persisting throughout the palate.