Rill House Vineyard
Rill House Vineyard, owned and managed by Caroline and Richard, was established over 35 years ago with only six acres under vine, on the edge of the State forest in the Macedon region in Victoria.
Macedon is the coolest wine region on mainland Australia. The unique viticultural conditions arise from a combination of altitude and latitude, being south of the great dividing range. After warm summer days the region sees crisp, cool evenings which slow ripening and help retain natural acidity. At 650 metres above sea level, Rill House is one of the coolest climate vineyards in the region.
The terroir, including fresh forest air, red volcanic soil with quartz and shale, and a natural spring rill, creates a unique microclimate for complex and elegant wines. The vineyard is farmed using sustainable and biodynamic practices. The hand-picked fruit produces wine that is a true expression of the region.
Varietals
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
All manner of wildlife venture into the vineyard to graze amongst the vines. Just before harvest, a large wild deer had a misadventure in the vineyard nets. Once freed, it set off into the neighbouring forest with a veil of white mesh flowing from its antlers. This extraordinary image of unique elegance and sophistication was the inspiration for the My Deer Bride Chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
The single block of Sauvignon Blanc sits on the highest, north-west facing hillside of the vineyard, at 670masl. Rill House is one of the few vineyards in the region producing this varietal. The cool climate, minerality in the soil, orientation and natural spring running adjacent to the block produces a unique quality of fruit. When aged in French oak to produce a Fume Blanc, it is reminiscent of an old world wine.
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
The one-acre block of Pinot Noir sits right next to the thousands of acres of untouched forest, where at dusk on occasion a red fox can be seen dashing through the vines to take a drink from the adjacent spring-fed dam. The altitude, forest air and location produce fruit that results in an elegant, delicate and aromatic wine. With only an acre under vine, a precious four barrels of Pinot Noir are produced each vintage.
Winemakers
Matt Harrop
Loic Le Calvez
Loic Le Calvez
Matt grew up in New Zealand, working his first vintage in 1988 at Nobilos, in West Auckland. He then enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Wine Science) at Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1991. Matt spent 19 years overseeing all aspects of the vineyard and wine production at Shadowfax, after which he joined Curly Flat as win
Matt grew up in New Zealand, working his first vintage in 1988 at Nobilos, in West Auckland. He then enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Wine Science) at Roseworthy Agricultural College, graduating in 1991. Matt spent 19 years overseeing all aspects of the vineyard and wine production at Shadowfax, after which he joined Curly Flat as winemaker in 2017.
Matt and his family own a small property and vineyard high in the Macedon Ranges, where they grow fruit for their own label, Silent Way.
Loic Le Calvez
Loic Le Calvez
Loic Le Calvez
Loic grew up in Brittany France, and from a young age helped his father in his wine retail shop. He obtained his Degree in Oenology (winemaking), from the University of Bordeaux in 1999, and his Masters in Law and Economics of the Wine Industry, while he also worked at the world renowned Château d’Yquem.
Moving to Australia in 2002, he
Loic grew up in Brittany France, and from a young age helped his father in his wine retail shop. He obtained his Degree in Oenology (winemaking), from the University of Bordeaux in 1999, and his Masters in Law and Economics of the Wine Industry, while he also worked at the world renowned Château d’Yquem.
Moving to Australia in 2002, he became Chief Winemaker and Chief Operating Officer at Clover Hill and Taltarni Vineyards, gathering a well respected reputation in the Australian wine industry.