Exploring the Terroir of Mount Majura: A Unique Tasting Experience

Mount Majura Vineyard, nestled on the northern slopes of the Majura Range, is a gem in the ACT’s winemaking scene. This past week, we were thrilled to feature six exceptional wines from Mount Majura at our Thursday night tasting at Canberra Wine and Spirit Merchants. With a blend of estate wines and selections from the Parallel Ridges range, the tasting offered a fascinating glimpse into the unique terroir and innovative winemaking techniques that define Mount Majura.

Mount Majura Vineyard’s story is as intriguing as its wines. The vineyard was established in 1988 by the late Dr. Edgar Riek, a pioneer of viticulture in the Canberra District, and Mrs. Dinny Killen. Inspired by the geology of the region, they planted the first hectare on an east-facing slope with limestone, akin to the Côte-d’Or in Burgundy. Today, the vineyard spans over 9.3 hectares, with a focus on quality and experimentation.

A Journey Through the Wines

The evening began with the Riesling 2023 (12.5% Alc.), sourced from the Clare Valley. This wine immediately captured our attention with its quintessential lime flavors and a hint of talc. It stood out for its refreshing acidity and distinctive character, offering a delightful contrast to the sold-out estate Riesling.

Next, we savored the Pinot Gris 2023 (11.5% Alc.), made from estate-grown fruit. Fresh and zesty with a gentle texture, this wine is pleasing now but promises even greater rewards with a bit of patience. The balance of flavors and the subtle complexity make it a standout.

The Chardonnay 2023 (12.5% Alc.) was another highlight. This is part of the Parrel Ridges range. Tumbarumba-grown fruit is elegant and well-structured, reflecting the unique terroir of Mount Majura. It combines the complexity of citrus and almond paste with a good acid line and a touch of spicy nuttiness from maturation in French oak.

We then moved on to the TSG 2023 (13.5% Alc.), a blend of estate fruit composed of 44% Tempranillo, 42% Shiraz, and 14% Graciano. This stylish and interesting wine features dark fruits, earth, and spice, proving that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Graciano 2022 (14% Alc.) was a revelation with its juicy dark fruits and abundant spice. Blackberry, plums, black pepper, cinnamon, and cedar all come together in a complex and intriguing wine that is not to be missed.

Finally, we tasted the Tempranillo 2022 (13.5% Alc.), Mount Majura’s signature wine. This estate-grown wine boasts an alluring deep red/purple color with black cherry and spice notes. Sumptuous and irresistible, it is a complete wine that is rich and generous with soft acidity and gentle tannins. It’s good now and promises to get even better with time.

Discovering Mount Majura’s Rich History

Mount Majura’s soils date back to the Silurian period, 430 million years ago, with limestone and volcanic layers creating a unique foundation for the vines. The Ngunnawal people, who have traversed and camped in the Majura Valley for tens of thousands of years, left artifacts that still remind us of their enduring culture.

The vineyard expanded significantly in 1999 and 2000, allowing for more experimentation with new varieties. This spirit of innovation continues today, with Tempranillo becoming a flagship variety and new expansions underway.

A Toast to Mount Majura

Our tasting of Mount Majura wines was a delightful exploration of the unique terroir and innovative winemaking that define this notable ACT winery. Each wine reflected the distinct characteristics of the region, offering a glimpse into the vineyard's rich history and commitment to quality. We look forward to more tasting adventures and invite you to join us in celebrating the vibrant wine community here in Canberra. Cheers!