Rambouillet

Alan and Leanne Rowe acquired their 40ha property in 2003, planting the first vines in '05. Their lack of capital, a common scenario, meant that Alan decided he would do all the work in establishing the vineyard, complete with trellis and drip irrigation. Although 4.5ha may not seem much, it was a major undertaking for one person, even though Leanne was always on hand to help where she could. They chose sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and shiraz, offering the Chardonnay in three versions: unwooded, lightly oaked and barrel-fermented, all under the aegis of contract winemaker Mike Garland. Even though the vineyard is remote, they live and work full-time on the property, with a de facto cellar door open ‘most days'. -JAMES HALLIDAY