Flaxman Wines

After visiting the Barossa Valley for over a decade, Melbourne residents Colin and Fi Sheppard decided on a tree change and in '04 found a small, old vineyard overlooking Flaxmans Valley, consisting of 1929-planted riesling, shiraz and semillon. The vines are dry grown, hand pruned, hand picked and treated – say the Sheppards – as their garden. Yields are restricted to under 4t/ha and exceptional parcels of locally grown grapes are also purchased. Colin has worked at various Barossa wineries and his attention to detail (and understanding of the process) is reflected in the consistent high quality of the wines. -JAMES HALLIDAY