The history of Carillion Wines begins with John Davis, a geologist who had an interest in wines and the terroir from which they are produced. With his knowledge and understanding of geology, soil, landscape and climate, he set about procuring and growing vineyards in locations that were optimal for particular varieties and styles of wines.
Planted in 1997, the Carillion Vineyard is situated on the foothills of Mount Canobolas in the cool climate region of Orange NSW. With an elevation of 800m above sea level, the vineyard been successful in producing a wide range of varieties and styles, from aromatic whites, textural chardonnays, delicate Pinots and bold Shiraz and Cabernet, all bursting with depth and intensity in their own way.
Second generation Vigneron Tim Davis and Winemaker Andrew Ling concentrate on producing small batch wines from low-crop premium fruit.
As a boutique winery specialising in small batch wines, they have the luxury of ‘the pick of the bunch’ to make their wines. The vineyard is managed with a hands-on approach, often identifying individual rows or portions of rows to pick. Most of the range is limited to 150 to 250 cases of each vintage, with some releases as rare as 250 bottles.
Carillion are committed to respecting their heritage and that of their vignerons from years gone by. With their first vineyards planted at Tallavera Grove in 1994, Carillion have continued to imbue each bottle that they produce with their heritage and history, even as they grow, adapt and introduce new and adventurous wine making techniques.
2021 ‘GM198 Clone’ Riesling
The Orange vineyard is located on the slopes of Mt Canobolas and is the perfect plot to make cool climate Riesling of real finesse. Grown at 800 metres above sea level, the Riesling produces an aromatically charged wine with a nose of orange blossom. Grown
from the Alsatian GM-198 clone, the palate is bursting with juicy citrus before mineral acidity floods the finish.
Pair with spicy Asian dishes or fresh seafood.
2019 ‘Crystals’ Chardonnay
Individual fruit parcels are separated at harvest to create this exceptional Single Vineyard wine.
Subtle stone fruit aromas fill the nose, while the depth in fruit flavours of pears and citrus are
complemented by subtle oak notes to provide a refined and balanced palate with a lingering finish.
92 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2022
2021 ‘Six Clones’ Pinot Noir
A mix of 6 Burgundian clones meld together to provide an elegant nose of red fruits and savoury undertones.
The palate is awash with dark cherry notes complemented by a swathe of plush tannins on the long, lingering finish.
The perfect match for duck or mushroom risotto.
2018 ‘Feldspars’ Shiraz
This is the pinnacle of Orange Shiraz exhibiting cool climate charisma andits own unique personality. Erupting with primary fruit and imbued with notes of spice and tobacco that make for a wine of
fragrance and power.
91 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2021
