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Long
Gully Estate
When
Reiner and Irma Klapp purchased their 45 hectare property in the
picturesque foothills of the Great Dividing Range on 'Long Gully
Road', just west of Healesville, they had no idea that 25 years
later they would be major contributors to the rebirth of the wine
industry in the Yarra Valley.
The
initial planting was a total of only 2.2 hectares consisting of
Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Further planting of
Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and
Voignier have brought the total to nearly 30 hectares. Long Gully
Estate is today seen as one of the larger boutique vineyards in the
Yarra Valley, crushing between 200 to 300 tonnes of grapes every
vintage.
The
vineyard features a western facing slope which aids in the drainage
of cold air on frosty mornings (katabatic winds). The steady daily
(usually from the S.E.) wind up the gully has proven to be an added
bonus in the fight against vine disease as it keeps the foliage
cool and dry in moist, humid conditions.
At Long
Gully, a number of tasks are still done by hand in the vineyard
such as pruning and picking and some cultivation. This is
expensive, but important in maintaining the vineyard’s high quality
output. Wherever possible, Long Gully prefers to use organic
methods in their vineyard so as to reduce the need for herbicides
and pesticides. .
Long
Gully Estate is a family-owned and operated boutique winery with a
determination to produce wines that are at the top pf their class.
They have achieved International recognition in wine competitions,
having been awarded 5 Trophies, 50 Gold Medals, 66 Silver Medals
and 152 Bronze Medals. The Long Gully motto: Life is too short to
drink bad wine.
Long
Gully Chardonnay 2006
This
premium Chardonnay exhibits a citrus peel zing with pear and white
peach flavours. It features a mealy biscuit character, which
compliments the spicy and toasty notes from the barrel
fermentation. This wine drinks beautifully now, but will reward the
patience of further cellaring.
Long
Gully Classic Dry White 2006
This
well-balanced dry white exhibits a light gold hue in the glass.
Crisp acidity draws the wine along the palate providing good
length. Aromas of stone fruits, apple and pear sweep through to the
palate which is fresh and clean. Serve chilled but not
bone-jarringly cold, this is a ‘cracker’ summer afternoon
wine.
Long
Gully Pinot Noir 2004
Five
separate hand – plunged ferments have been blended to give this
wine an exquisite nose and palate. Dark cherry, almond, coffee bean
and brambly characters leap from the glass. The full and complex
palate displays a superb richness of fruit, subtle tannins and warm
alcohol. The use of several different Pinot Noir clones has
resulted in a rich flavoursome wine with a satin smooth
finish.
Long
Gully Shiraz 2005/6
The
2005/6 Long Gully Estate Shiraz displays rich berry fruit with
underlying notes of white pepper, mild anise, green peppercorn and
briary fruit. Supported by subtle chary oak and lovely fine
tannins, the palate is carried by the rich complex
fruit. | 