Toolangi Vineyards are firmly committed to making the finest wines possible. Their winemakers include eminent names like Rick Kinzbrunner, Matt Harrop, Tom Carson, David Bicknell and Willy Lunn at Yering Station. This talented team shares the Toolangi passion for crafting nothing but the most exceptional wines. Toolangi's efforts are principally made from estate grown fruit, supplemented when needed with high quality parcels grown to the Yarra Valley. Toolangi's viticulturalist, whilst maintaining estate owned vineyards, is additionally responsible for the management of vineyards of outsourced fruit, so that consistent quality is assured. The immensely favourable response from enthusiasts is most rewarding to the Toolangi team.
Toolangi acquired and planted their Yarra Valley estate property in 1995, welcoming the first vintage of Toolangi in 2000. Now celebrating many years of producing wines, Toolangi have strived from the onset for outstanding quality. Their wines are a tribute to a great vineyard site and passionate winemakers. Toolangi produces wines with distinctive personalities, and each showing a strong sense of place. Grapes from exceptional sites, together with the experienced hand of outstanding winemakers, subtly comes into play with each wine. The critical acclaim from some of the country's foremost reviewers confirms the efficacy of Toolangi's approach.
Located in the Yarra Valley approximately 48 kms North East of Melbourne at Dixon’s Creek, Toolangi Vineyards was named for its position, adjacent to the picturesque Toolangi State Forest. Garry and Julie Hounsell purchased the former cattle grazing property in early 1995 and planted the first 0.5 hectare of vines that December. Since 1995 further plantings have been progressively established, the property now being fully planted with some thirteen hectares under vine.
Toolangi’s vineyard site is ideally suited to the cultivation of high quality grapes as it is well drained with gentle slopes, all with a coveted northeasterly orientation. The soil is predominantly clay, covered by a thin layer of topsoil of shale and stone. Over the past 20 years the Yarra Valley has developed an enviable reputation for its wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At Toolangi these classic varieties have been the focus along with Shiraz and a smaller planting of Viognier.
Yields are restricted to no more than 2.5 tonnes per acre in order to maximise quality. Heavy pruning and crop thinning are used to reduce the naturally higher yields that the Yarra Valley climate can produce. Lower yields result in fruit that has more flavours and complexities which enables the production of our premium quality wine.
The Yarra Valley's normally good rainfall is supplemented as required by drip irrigation during the growing season. This helps to ensure the vines avoid stress allowing for the production of premium fruit. When grapes are sourced from other vineyards in the Yarra Valley, Toolangi's viticulturalist also supervises these vineyards to ensure the cultivation of premium quality fruit. Toolangi's aim is to produce outstanding wines, a process which begins in the vineyard. Toolangi produces three main varietals. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Within each of these varietals, the team endeavour to produce a range of 3 wines, Toolangi, Toolangi Estate and Toolangi Reserve. Weather conditions during the growing season determine the quality of fruit and whether Reserve wines are produced each vintage.
The team always look forward to the release of the all Toolangi wines, in particular the highly feted chardonnay, arguably the best in the state. Toolangi wines are deliberate and forward, well structured and full of flavour. "It’s little wonder drinkers are flocking back to chardonnay in their droves. Crafted by the winemaking teams at Shadowfax and Yering Station for Toolangi owners Garry and Julie Hounsell, this is a real stunner. Elegant and classy with aromatic, pristine stonefruit flavours, integrated nutty characters, unobtrusive oak and a lingering, clean finish. Drink with lobster!" -Illawarra Mercury
