SOLITUDE:

A NEW BEGINNING FOR TIBOOBURRA AND A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

 

Tibooburra is proud to release its new Solitude wine brand, named after the original pastoral run that spanned much of the upper Yarra in the mid 19^th Century.

Tibooburra built its reputation on the back of champion Angus cattle and is now a leading Yarra Valley vineyard under the direction of new winemaker Timo Mayer and viticulturalists Greg Kerr and Patrick Watson.

While Tibooburra is the backstory to the new brand, the Solitude banner is a name with a significant local resonance, dating back to 1846 when some 11,600 hectares of land east of Woori Yallock Creek was leased by pastoralists.

"I found this beautiful old County of Evelyn map showing the original place names and natural features of the Yarra Valley, and I became captivated with it," Kerr said.

"When I realised that the name Solitude appeared right in the middle of our property, it seemed like an irresistible theme for a new wine label."

Exceptional parcels of grapes from a memorable  2008 vintage comprise the inaugural Solitude line up.

The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc has great length and balance and has been described by panelists at a Yarra Valley wine growers' forum as "cutting edge" in style. Think burnt match, grapefruit, dried herbs, capsicum and mineral characters.

The 2008 Chardonnay is elegant and oak driven yet a white with real power and balance, and complementing quince, nectar and blossom notes. It is from the same northerly slope that produced the Oakridge 864 Chardonnay. "In the finer, leaner 'cool bits of the Upper Yarra' style, this would take some beating. 94 points." says Gary Walsh, of The Wine Front.

The 2008 Pinot Noir is a fine example of upper Yarra terroir, with an enticing perfume, and hints of forest floor, rose petal and strawberry. It has recently been selected among Gourmet Traveller Wine's Top 100 new wines (Oct / Nov 2009).

Solitude has already found its way onto wine lists at notable restaurants including Cutler & Co, St Jude's Cellars, Journal, Self Preservation, Kuni's, Bella Vedere, Stones of the Yarra, The Press Club, Gertrude Street Enoteca, Rubira's @ Swallows and The Emerald in South Melbourne and Tabou, De Vine, Chop House and Bentley Bar and Bistro in Sydney.

It is now time to offer our private clients a little piece of history. The Solitude mixed dozen normally lands at $440 but with our Friends of Tibooburra 15 % discount, you pay $374 not including freight. Click here for order form.

There's also our "old red / new white" mix, which comprises 3 bottles of 2006 Tibooburra Shiraz, 3 bottles of 2007 Tibooburra Merlot, 3 bottles of the 2008 Solitude Chardonnay and 3 bottles of the 2008 Solitude Sauvignon Blanc. All this at the discounted price of $321.80 (not including freight). Click here for order form.

You will not find these wines at bottle shops. To order, complete the attached form/s and email to tibooburra@hotkey.net.au or fax to 03 59 648 577. Mobile inquires to Greg Kerr on 0418 367 319.