Did you know that our Wine Club members now have exclusive access to special edition and back vintage bottles? Assistant Winemaker Gareth Hogan talks us through the newly released bottles on offer.
Hi, I’m Gareth - I’ve been at All Saints Estate for just over a year now, working closely with Nick in the winery. With more than a decade in the industry, my experience spans as far afield as Canada and Austria.
After completing my studies in Wine Science a few years ago, my family and I relocated to North East Victoria, where I’ve had the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with and learning from some of the region’s great winemakers. I'm now based in Rutherglen and couldn’t be happier being a custodian of the historic fortified wines and ancient casks at All Saints Estate. Plus, how many people can say they work in a castle?
Recently, Nick and I were asked to create a few limited-release wines exclusively for our members. These wines fall outside our regular range, made in the spirit of experimentation, but with a sincere approach to structure and drinkability.
The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc marks a first for All Saints Estate - not only our first Sauvignon Blanc, but also the first wine crafted from Tasmanian fruit. Coincidentally, I spent time in Tasmania a few years ago making aromatic whites much like this. The key to working with this variety is simplicity: no oak, no tricks, just a cool, controlled ferment in stainless steel. The result is a highly perfumed, floral wine that balances ripe fruit with crunchy green apple acidity. For those less familiar with Sauvignon Blanc, it shares some similarities with Riesling, but with more fruit-driven aroma and softer acidity.
The 2022 Marsanne Viognier, another first for us, is a real delight. Many of you will already know our Marsanne as a textural white, and Viognier is its classic blending partner. In France’s Rhône Valley, where both varieties originate, they are often harvested and fermented together.
The two complement each other beautifully: both show ripe orchard fruits such as apricot and yellow peach, while Viognier adds a floral lift and citrusy freshness. The Marsanne was aged in neutral 500L puncheons, originally intended for our Family Cellar range. This extended lees contact has imparted a subtle cashew and almond nuance, along with impressive texture across the palate. If you’ve enjoyed our Marsanne before, you’re sure to love this wine.
The 2024 Grenache, which we've never before done as a single varietal, is a wine for lovers of lighter reds. To be honest, it surprised me - I hadn’t thought such delicate, ethereal reds were possible in Rutherglen. The secret lies in two key factors: picking early (as Grenache ripens, it quickly gains weight and can become jammy or confected), and using only the free-run juice from the ferment before pressing. The result is a beautifully delicate and light wine, brimming with sour cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry compote, with gentle, dusty tannins. A perfect choice for fans of fine Pinot Noir or Gamay.
Our re-release 2022 Durif is a striking contrast to the Grenache, with its deep, opaque purple hue and heady, spice-laden aroma. Fans of our Durif will recognise its signature notes of blueberry, plum, baking spice, and dark chocolate. Extended time in oak has softened the variety’s naturally firm, chalky tannins, bringing balance and refinement. Our approach is always to handle Durif gently, coaxing out freshness and vibrant primary fruit - though its bold personality is never shy. Some bottle aging will only enhance its character, but we’ve already done part of the work with careful barrel maturation. For those new to Durif, think along the lines of Shiraz or Cabernet, with layers of dark fruit and a lift of spicy black pepper.
I hope you enjoy these wines as much as we enjoyed putting them together!
