Hanging Rock Winery
Star Cellar Door
(03) 5427 0542
hangingrock.com.au
Credit where it is due. John and Ann Ellis saw the potential for the creation of premium sparkling wines in the Macedon Ranges long before others did. Likewise, they turned their attention to shiraz grown in Heathcote early on, and have been producing stunning cool-climate shiraz for 20 years. The Ellis family – now with son Rob and daughter Ruth in the mix – clearly don’t mind a challenge.
The vineyard, winery, cellar door and family home are set on a farm devoted to Speckle Park cattle, an obsession of John’s, as well as grapes. Wine and beef are for sale in the modest tasting area.
The winery’s top sparklings, such as Cuvee IX, rely on extended lees ageing, up to 15 years, to produce richness and complexity. The whites, led by sauvignon blanc, bristle with bright acidity, and Heathcote shiraz is revealed in a number of guises and price points. Do not miss this cellar door. JENI PORT
OUTSTANDING WINE: NV Hanging Rock Winery Macedon Brut Rosé, A$35