Mount Horrocks Wines, in Clare Valley, is owned by winemaker Stephanie Toole, who purchased the estate in 1993 after a career selling fine wines in Perth. By April 1998, she had renovated the historic Auburn Railway station as her cellar door and by 2000 she had acquired land in Watervale to plant her own vineyards. The grape varieties are carefully matched to each site’s soil and microclimate. These include the ‘Cordon Cut’ vineyard, close to the cellar door, which has been planted only with Riesling.

With this level of care, and attention to detail, it is unsurprising that Stephanie’s wines are now regarded as among Clare Valley’s finest. To quote James Halliday’s 2023 Wine Companion, “Stephanie Toole has never deviated from the pursuit of excellence in the vineyard and winery. The attention to detail and refusal to cut corners are obvious in all her wines.”

Mount Horrocks are now ‘A grade certified’ organic and biodynamic, one of only two wineries locally to do so. As all fruit is hand-picked and gently handled, fining is unnecessary, meaning all the wines are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

The subdued aromatics belie a vibrant, honeyed, more intense version of Cordon Cut. Ripe, juicy citrus fruits, kumquat and mandarin, vanillin spice wrapped in a luscious richness rounded by astute refreshing acidity. Crisp, and long on flavour.

Ideal with roasted pineapple in a Demerara and vanilla sauce, or candied orange peel dessert. Or quite simply enjoy on its own