“An avid wine enthusiast since his early thirties, after many years of ‘research’, Trev Harch came to his own conclusion that there really was no other wine that tasted as good as Barossa Shiraz & thought, “why not make some yourself?” So he did…
Many thanks to our guest present for the evening, Darren Naylor, for a very informative and entertaining evening, as he presented a selection of wines from the Brockenchack portfolio. Darren provided some really interesting stories about the history of the Harch family and the wines and vineyards of the Barrossa Valley; especially the Eden Valley where the Brockenchack vineyards are situated and the wines produced. There were lots of Q&A and discussion about the wines and the region. Enjoyed by all who attended.
After the usual welcome and introduction, we were treated to six wines during the evening, interspersed with Darren telling stories and anecdotes about his involvement with the winery – He married one of Trev’s daughters and has 2 children, whose names, along with the other 2 grandchildren make up the name Brockenchack. BROnte, MaCKENzie, CHArli and JaCK.
They are a cool climate, single vineyard wine producer in the Barossa’s picturesque Eden Valley, crafting fourteen beautiful wines for their portfolio, producing wines that they think people will love to drink. All their wines have a story, either named after our family members, or after something of significance to our family.
Their land has been a working vineyard for well over a century with the first Riesling vines planted in 1896, believed to be some of (if not) the oldest Riesling vines in Australia. Their Shiraz vines with an average age of 60 years produce three tiers of Shiraz; Zip Line, Jack Harrison and the top tier William Frederick, as well as a Rosé and Sparkling Shiraz.
Along with their offering of hand crafted, boutique wines, they also offer a unique and memorable historic cellar door experience and three luxury vineyard bed and breakfast accommodation, surrounded with 360 degree views of the vineyard.
WINES TASTED
‘Mackenzie William 1896’ Riesling 2023 – Aromatic, Lemons & limes, steely minerality, bone dry. RRP:$32 NZ
‘Charli Jaye’ Chardonnay 2020 – Pear, stone-fruit, grapefruit, spice, subtle oak, luscious. RRP: $40 NZ
‘Tru-Su’ Shiraz based Rose 2023 – very pale, sweet raspberries & cream, concentrated flavours, fresh. RRP: $22 NZ
‘Great Scott’ Sparkling Shiraz NV – Dark fizz, plums & cherries, raspberries, blackberry & white choccy! RRP: $26 NZ
‘Zip Line’ Shiraz 2021 – Floral aromatics, red & black fruit, plums, black berry, choc, vanilla, grippy tannins. RRP: $30 NZ
‘Miss Bronte’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – dark, full bodied, green leaf herb, mint, black fruit, cassis, fine tannins RRP: $30 NZ
Darren offered some pretty decent discounts for members on the night and a couple of bottles as prizes for those who ordered too. As usual delicious platters were provided by Sugar Shack Platters.
To find our more about Brockenchack & purchase wine, visit the NZ website:
https://brockenchack.nz/
