This is our most significant site for classic Hunter varieties. Initially planted to Shiraz in the late 60’s, the original rootstocks have remained across the site. The Northern edge was converted to Chardonnay in the 80’s and is responsible for our more structured and savoury expression of this iconic variety. In 2013 we started a clonal program, breaking the vineyard into 7 sub blocks of different Shiraz clones; the very best barrel selection from these plots goes into our Timbervines Shiraz. The genetic material for the Semillon was sourced from the De Beyers vineyard in Pokolbin, planted by the late Frank Margan circa 1960. We have included a co-planted section of Tempranillo, Graciano and Shiraz (est. 2009) on the Western fringe, which remains a distinctive wine of place.
Located on the red volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill in the Broke-Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley, Timbervines encompasses roughly 30 hectares of mature vines.
These soils, made up of weathered volcanic clay rich in minerals are excellent at absorbing and releasing moisture slowly, give the vineyard its distinctive character: grapes that ripen with concentrated flavours, good natural acidity, and structural balance.
Over the decades, Timbervines has become the source of some of our most iconic wines, including aged-release reds and single-block Chardonnays that showcase the site’s potential.
Notably, Timbervines features “old-clone” vines — grafted onto original rootstocks — which contribute to wine depth, complexity and a sense of provenance.
