The vineyard, on the brink of the spectacular Longview Gorge, is situated between the townships of Sunbury and Riddells Creek. The Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc vines were planted in 1988-90 by Dr Ron and Joan Parker with small parcels of Cabernet Franc and Riesling planted in subsequent years.
Bill and Karen Ashby purchased the property in 2003 and are continuing to concentrate on growing high quality estate grown fruit nurtured by labour intensive viticultural practices which enable them to produce a range of handcrafted wines which reflect the inherent characteristics of the site. They have been assisted in their endeavours by winemaker, Roland Kaval, and viticulturist, Simon Glover, who are both notable wine and grape producers in the Daylesford-Macedon region.
The wines are wholly estate grown and bottled, and are well priced boutique offerings with regular drinking in mind, not just for special occasions. The current portfolio comprises:
Pippin Pinot 2005
100% pinot noir, showing the characteristics evident in our premium branded Pinot Noir, ample berry and spice. With limited French Oak influence, the fruit shines through and allows the opportunity to offer a well priced, everyday drinking Pinot.
Pinot Noir 2006
A pleasing result to follow our well rated ‘04 and ’05 Pinot*, now sold out. This pinot’s colour shows garnet depth. Its gamey, almost meaty nose has highlights of fresh plums. The lively palate is all spiced plum flavours with a savoury, silky tannin finish.
Cabernet Franc 2005
Showing intense colour, soft, sweet blackberry fruit with a herbal hint of lavender. Benefiting from an extended maturation period in Jupille oak, the palate is rich and smooth, finishing peppery and full. It would have been sacrilege to blend these characteristics away, so this is bottled as 100% Cabernet Franc. Limited release.
Chardonnay 2006
A brilliant new chardonnay showing green tinges to straw in colour and fresh fig and honey dew melon fruit flavours. It is reminiscent of violet crumble bars in its Hungarian oak character on the nose and palate. Its creaminess finishes delightfully fresh.
Chenin Blanc 2005
Old variety dating back to the 9th Century and re-emerging as a worthy varietal. Light, fruity and crisp. Well received on initial release, bigger green apple and herbaceous fruit flavours have resulted from this vintage. Honey and pear emerging a year on in the bottle.
Riesling 2005
Limited cellar door release from a small parcel of fruit. Austere, crisp and clear in style. Perfumed with fresh grapefruit flavours. Will reward medium to long term cellaring.
Pippin White 2006
Something different, our own blend of 50/50 premium Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc, with a little residual sweetness this is a very pleasant wine which is very easy on the palate and not too dry. Drink well chilled anytime.
Reviews and Awards
Winestate magazine:
Chardonnay 2005 – unwooded ***
“Big and delicious. Smells of melons and nectarines. Big and oily in the mouth, with flavours of peaches and cashews”.
Pinot Noir 2004 ***
“Sweet fresh strawberries and raspberries dominate the nose. Lean spicy/berry palate with nice gamey depth”.
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2008 Edition:
In submitting wines for review by James Halliday for the first time, we are pleased to have received the following ratings:
In the four glass recommended category ie wines of above average quality, fault free and with clear varietal expression, three Longview Creek wines are listed:
Pinot Noir 2005
Riesling 2005
Chardonnay 2006
The winery received an overall three and a half star rating given by James Halliday to wineries which are categorised as being a solid, usually reliable maker of good, sometimes very good wines.
Bronze – Victorian Wines Show 2006 – Longview Creek Chardonnay unwooded 2005
Bronze – Daylesford Wine Show 2006 – Longview Creek Chardonnay unwooded 2005
Bronze – Federation Square Victorian Wine Regions Showcase 2005 – Longview Creek Chardonnay 2005
Bronze – Cowra Wine Show 2007 – Longview Creek Chardonnay 2005
Cellar Door
Bill and Karen will extend a warm welcome to you at our cellar door with an invitation to enjoy a pleasant sojourn in our relaxed vineyard/garden setting which is complemented by lovely views of the Gorge through which the Longview Creek runs and beyond to the Macedon Ranges.
Wine tastings are free tastings and take place in our working winery. We cater to order – be it a simple cheese platter or more elaborate luncheon that is sought – please ring the Vineyard ahead of your visit to arrange. Self catering barbecue facilities available.
Product Availability:
Cellar Door, wine bars, hotels and restaurants in the Macedon Ranges/Sunbury region and northern suburbs of Melbourne or by mail order. Also at local farmers markets in Riddells Creek, Lancefield, Carlton and St Kilda.
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- Address
- 150 Palmer Road, Sunbury, Victoria, Australia, 3429
- Telephone
- 9740 2448
- Fax
- 9740 2495
- Website
- Click Here
- Opening Hours
- Weekends 11am-5pm or by prior arrangement. We are usually at the property and a quick phone call can confirm our availability at short notice.
- Town
- Sunbury
- Contact
- Karen and Bill Ashby
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