From the Winery

Willunga 100 is in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia, about 40 minutes south of Adelaide. We source our fruit from an array of vineyards, some of which are up to 50 years old. The wines reflect the character of the area and the varieties from which they are made. Willunga 100 Wines are made by Mike Farmilo and Tim James.

Our Shiraz comes from 3 vineyards, The Hillside Vineyard which is one of McLaren Vale’s first ripening vineyards and has rich bold tannins from its aspect and low yielding vines. Mary’s Vineyard, which is in the Willunga foot hills, is in conversion to biodynamics and has more elegant dark berry chrematistics and adds finesse to the blend, and the Township vineyard located on the outskirts of the McLaren Vale town ship adding more body and richness to the blend. The climate of McLaren Vale is often compared to that of the Mediterranean warm sunny days, with sea breeze influences from the nearby Gulf of St Vincent. These warm days in union with the cooling maritime evening changes are perfect for ripening the grapes whilst maintaining a crisp, clean acid structure.

Parcels of Shiraz were harvested in late February and early March. Each parcel from different vineyards is fermented separately, using open fermenters, and 5% Viognier skins are added in at fermentation stage so they are co-fermented with the Shiraz. We find this allows for more integration. Warm fermentation temperatures combined with regular pump overs and plunging ensures optimum extraction. The addition of the Viognier adds complexity, freshness, aromatic lift and helps with colour stabilisation. The wine is then matured in older French oak for structure, and a small portion in new French oak to add complexity and finesse.