Henty, Victoria
Winemaker: Belinda Thomson
www.crawfordriverwines.com
Crawford River was established and planted in 1975 by John and Catherine Thomson, in far south-west Victoria. They were inspired by its potential to produce superior quality grapes after researching & experiencing many grape growing areas of the world. It was a relatively unexplored wine growing region and indeed remains merely a blot on the canvas. Although the area is now known as the GI of Henty.
Presiding over gently undulating grazing lands with sprawling forests in the distance, Crawford River has paved the way for the industry in what is traditionally a wool, beef and dairy region. The winery atop the hill and the vineyard hugging the slope nestle in the midst of a large sheep and cattle station that John’s great-grandfather settled in 1884.
Since the initial plantings in the mid 1970´s, there have been 2 more small plantings. Believing in the fine quality of the Semillon included in the original plantings, John and Catherine added another 0.7 Ha of the variety in the early 1990´s.
In 2000, another block of Riesling & Cabernet was added, which now produces the Young Vines Riesling & Rose wines. The cool southerly latitude together with the maritime environment, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate create a terroir which has justified the initial vision.
Belinda Thomson, elder daughter of John and Catherine, returned home at the end of 2004 after completing her studies in Oenology and Viticulture and pursuing several vintages in various European locations. Between 2008 and 2014, Belinda divided her time between Spain and Australia, returning for the winemaking season each year and the all important blending. As of 2014 she has found her way home to be dedicated full time to the family team.
Presiding over gently undulating grazing lands with sprawling forests in the distance, Crawford River has paved the way for the industry in what is traditionally a wool, beef and dairy region. The winery atop the hill and the vineyard hugging the slope nestle in the midst of a large sheep and cattle station that John’s great-grandfather settled in 1884.
Since the initial plantings in the mid 1970´s, there have been 2 more small plantings. Believing in the fine quality of the Semillon included in the original plantings, John and Catherine added another 0.7 Ha of the variety in the early 1990´s.
In 2000, another block of Riesling & Cabernet was added, which now produces the Young Vines Riesling & Rose wines. The cool southerly latitude together with the maritime environment, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate create a terroir which has justified the initial vision.
Belinda Thomson, elder daughter of John and Catherine, returned home at the end of 2004 after completing her studies in Oenology and Viticulture and pursuing several vintages in various European locations. Between 2008 and 2014, Belinda divided her time between Spain and Australia, returning for the winemaking season each year and the all important blending. As of 2014 she has found her way home to be dedicated full time to the family team.
Crawford River ‘Museum Release’ 2016 Riesling 96 Points | The Wine Front
“Great to see these mature release wines from Crawford River. Prophetic review from CM from the young release too…
This is flying. Beautiful wine marrying gentle maturity in characters of lightly toasted white bread, honeysuckle, wild honey, candle wax and yet impossible freshness of Granny Smith apple and lime. The palate is bright albeit gently slippery with age, more of the secondary characters of the bouquet and still holding a compact, racy form. The finish is almost sparkling with pink grapefruit and gin-like botanical zestiness. Stellar.”
2020 Beta Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon
Macadamia nut, river stone and hints of delicate lime are the invitation to this delicious wine. A wonderful, fresh opulence is present on the front palate, at once counteracted by a taut, mineral quality and supple, textural layers, enhanced by lees and oak. It shows terrific balance, defined by seamless natural acid, deft use of oak and superbly integrated lees treatment, all of which lend terrific drinkability and potential for cellaring. The lovely line of acid is evident throughout the palate and a little air will enhance the complex structure. Long and even and will no doubt reward some cellaring. 100% Whole bunch pressed to tank with no additions, chilled and racked the next day to barrel. No additions are made to this juice which is left to naturally ferment in its own time. It spends around 11 months in majority older oak, after which it is blended to tank where it spends another 6 months settling – and perhaps undergoing some malolactic fermentation if it feels like it. Belinda thinks there is a terrific balance of fruit, texture and oak – which she thinks must be present, without being overt.
2020 Cabernets (75% Cabernet Sauvignon / 25% Cabernet Franc)
Juicy Mulberry and crunchy cherry are the frontrunners here, together with underlying cassia bark and spice. Seamless integration of soft tannin and fruit, with a taut line of acidity pulling it all together beautifully. While the underlying savoury elements typical of our vineyard shine, they are encased in a medium frame with ripe fruit underpinning the lingering palate. Absolutely delicious drinking. Screwcap.
Crawford River 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points | The Wine Front
“Lots of love and patience to make this wine.
Succulent yet deep red. Supple tannins, cool minty refrain in dark cherry, cassis, lavender, violets and liquorice going on. Smooth ride, so so satiny, lush yet controlled and finds its groove so easily. Such a delight to drink, complex fruit characters doing fruit flavours, spice, judicious seasoning, tannin, acid all so well. Really impressive and in 2018 a little extra bandwidth and generosity perhaps. Oh so delightful. Cellar long or drink now. Superb.”
“Great to see these mature release wines from Crawford River. Prophetic review from CM from the young release too…
This is flying. Beautiful wine marrying gentle maturity in characters of lightly toasted white bread, honeysuckle, wild honey, candle wax and yet impossible freshness of Granny Smith apple and lime. The palate is bright albeit gently slippery with age, more of the secondary characters of the bouquet and still holding a compact, racy form. The finish is almost sparkling with pink grapefruit and gin-like botanical zestiness. Stellar.”
2020 Beta Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon
Macadamia nut, river stone and hints of delicate lime are the invitation to this delicious wine. A wonderful, fresh opulence is present on the front palate, at once counteracted by a taut, mineral quality and supple, textural layers, enhanced by lees and oak. It shows terrific balance, defined by seamless natural acid, deft use of oak and superbly integrated lees treatment, all of which lend terrific drinkability and potential for cellaring. The lovely line of acid is evident throughout the palate and a little air will enhance the complex structure. Long and even and will no doubt reward some cellaring. 100% Whole bunch pressed to tank with no additions, chilled and racked the next day to barrel. No additions are made to this juice which is left to naturally ferment in its own time. It spends around 11 months in majority older oak, after which it is blended to tank where it spends another 6 months settling – and perhaps undergoing some malolactic fermentation if it feels like it. Belinda thinks there is a terrific balance of fruit, texture and oak – which she thinks must be present, without being overt.
2020 Cabernets (75% Cabernet Sauvignon / 25% Cabernet Franc)
Juicy Mulberry and crunchy cherry are the frontrunners here, together with underlying cassia bark and spice. Seamless integration of soft tannin and fruit, with a taut line of acidity pulling it all together beautifully. While the underlying savoury elements typical of our vineyard shine, they are encased in a medium frame with ripe fruit underpinning the lingering palate. Absolutely delicious drinking. Screwcap.
Crawford River 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points | The Wine Front
“Lots of love and patience to make this wine.
Succulent yet deep red. Supple tannins, cool minty refrain in dark cherry, cassis, lavender, violets and liquorice going on. Smooth ride, so so satiny, lush yet controlled and finds its groove so easily. Such a delight to drink, complex fruit characters doing fruit flavours, spice, judicious seasoning, tannin, acid all so well. Really impressive and in 2018 a little extra bandwidth and generosity perhaps. Oh so delightful. Cellar long or drink now. Superb.”
