the Mount Broke vineyard

With the decision to close the dairy came the options of what to do next. The Harrowby property is around 1000acres in all, much of it cleared grazing land but some remaining as rugged bush-land and mountains. A significant amount of the property faces the Wollombi Brook, and the fertile alluvial loam soils along the riverbank seemed to be perfect conditions to plant a vineyard.

Following discussions with neighbour Murray Tyrrell, a long-standing friend of Neil's and fellow cattle-breeder, areas of soil that appeared suitable for viticulture were identified, soil types investigated, an appropriate trellis and irrigations system designed and through the mid 1990s the vineyard was planted out to the Hunter Valley staples of Semillon & Verdelho, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. In addition a new emerging variety was also planted as a bit of an experiment: Barbera.

The first wines were released in 1999 with Semillon, Shiraz and Verdelho all quickly becoming highly regarded by the Hunter Valley wine community. Show awards followed shortly after with a regular supply of bronze, silver, gold and trophy winning wines coming from our highly regarded vineyard.

In spite of some early successes, both Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon proved to be difficult and inconsistent, so after a few disappointing years the Merlot was grafted to Chardonnay and Shiraz; the Cabernet Sauvignon to a Spanish variety that has been making big inroads in the Hunter: Tempranillo.

There are three distinct soil types on the vineyard: Quince Tree Paddock is a fairly stony, gravel soil high in minerals and home to both Semillon & Barbera - both of which thrive in these hard conditions. The Riverbank Vineyard runs along the bank of the Wollombi Brook and is a well-drained sandy loam: perfect for Verdelho, Chardonnay, Tempranillo & Shiraz. On the hill is a ridge of volcanic basalt soil, perfect for growing reds and planted with Shiraz.

Today the vineyard comprised 20 acres (8 hectares) or roughly three acres (just over 1 hectare) of each of: Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Barbera and Tempranillo: the balance of almost 3 hectares is Shiraz.

Harvest starts in late January or early February and runs through into mid-March depending on the weather. Where possible the grapes are hand-picked and transported immediately to Little's winery further along Milbrodale Road for processing. Winemakers Ian & Suzanne Little are involved in the decision making process in the vineyard as much as in the winery.