Coldstream Hills

Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday. From initial vintages of 450 cases, it has grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries.

Situated in the cool and beautiful Yarra Valley, about one hour's drive east of Melbourne, its steep, close-planted vineyards have become a signature of the region. So too have its wines (most notably Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs) which reflects a climate cooler than Bordeaux and a little
warmer than Burgundy.

France provides all the oak barriques (1500, but increasing year by year) and no small amount of inspiration for the winemaking team.

The wines are quite literally, hand made, mainly using small open fermenters (three to four tonnes capacity) for the red wines, while the white wines are barrel fermented. Notwithstanding the increasing production, there has been no significant change in the winemaking techniques or
philosophies inherent to Coldstream Hills.

It has been said many times that a great wine is made in the vineyard. Yields on the steeply sloping vineyards are not excessive, but if it proves necessary to take these steps to control vigour and yield to maximise quality, this will be done without hesitation. Special attention is paid to
trellising and canopy management, with the newest techniques being employed.

The three key varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the Cabernet family) are each vinified using radically different techniques. Within each variety, a number of techniques are usually employed, all with the intention of adding complexity to the finished wine. These techniques are directed to making wines, which are characterised by elegance and finesse, by silky supple texture, length of flavour, subtle oak and the ability to develop extra dimensions of complexity with bottle age.

These are not weighty, extractive, tannic or alcoholic styles, however impressive well made examples of these may be.

Coldstream Hills Winery
31 Maddens Lane,
Coldstream, Victoria, 3770
Phone: + 61 3 5964 9410
Fax: + 61 3 5964 9389