Magic Three Rivers Single Vineyard in Eden Valley/Barossa The architecture of the modern two-story estate house, which is surrounded by a light fence at the driveway, is nondescript, efficient and ecologically elaborate. Chris Ringland lives on the ground floor, his companions, the wines including barrels and technology live in the basement. A 1.6 hectare broad strip of olive trees separates the building from the vineyard; against any economic rational Ringland decided in 1999 not for a lucrative expansion of his vineyard but to plant olives. The two reason for this decision is prototypical for Ringland: The south-eastern alignment of the plot did not seem optimal to him and at the same time he always wanted to create a perfect olive oil for him and his friends. From a distance the vineyard itself leaves the impression of an expansive front yard. A hundred years ago this spot was occupied by gold diggers, however, with limited success. The area of the hillside is a mere 1.8 hectares; approximately 70% are covered with vines that are more than a century old. Over the last ten years Chris has planted about half a hectare with new vines. The soil is marked by podzol, clay, sand and red potter’s earth, with great storage capacity and minerality. The entire area is covered exclusively with Shiraz. The yield is small: The 300-liter-Hogshead-barrels can be counted on one hand – usually it will be four per vintage. In addition, there are up to three barriques. Due to its geographical alignment, the terroir catches a lot of, though not too much, sun and mild winds usually cool down the vines during the later hours of the day, which are under a little stress from the southern Australian heat. Despite the intense work in the vineyards there is a relaxed atmosphere on the hill.

DE | EN