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HISTORY
Neill & Sally Robb planted their first vines in 1973: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec varieties. Today they have 45 acres under vine and annual production of 8,000 cases of which 1,000+ cases are Sally¡¯s Paddock. The original Sally¡¯s Paddock vineyard remains a four-acre site that continues to deliver a wine of wonderful complexity and depth. The Sally's Paddock winery is located 2 hours northwest of Melbourne near the town of Redbank in Victoria -- in the heart of the Australian Pyr¨¦n¨¦es ranges. An early explorer named the region after seeing a likeness to the European Pyr¨¦n¨¦es.
Neill and Sally have been joined by their three children, who now take part in different aspects of the family business.
THE REGION
The Pyr¨¦n¨¦es region experiences a relatively cool to mild continental climate with significant variation between day and night temperatures due to its altitude of 1,300 to 1,500 feet. This climate offers ideal ripening conditions, including a long growing season, that give grapes the luxury of time on the vine ¨C maximizing their development of flavor and complexity. The region has a Heat Degree Days Index of 1530 and lies 37° South.
There are less than 20 wineries in the region and the principal grape varieties are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Soils are mostly sandy loam.
WINE AND WINEMAKING
Sally's Paddock is handcrafted from a single non-irrigated site. It is universally regarded as one of Australia's classic red wines. The unique combination of soil type, cool-mild climatic characteristics, un-irrigated vineyards and ¡®everything-by-hand' processes produce low yield grapes of high intensity, color and flavor. Neill is a master blender and Sally's Paddock reflects his unique talent.
Sally's Paddock is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, and Merlot that is conscientiously blended to produce an intriguing balance of flavors and has been consistent in supreme quality since the first release in 1979. The 2001, Sally's 23rd release, is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Merlot. It has earned an international reputation as a great wine for immediate consumption or for those with the patience to cellar for 10+ years.
Sally's Paddock received two Gold Medals in the London International Wine Challenge and has been included in the ¡®Excellent A' section of the Langton's Auction House Classification of Distinguished Australian Wine for the past 17 years.
The Sally's Paddock wines available in the United States are:
