When the Black Sunday Bushfire swept through in January 1955, Marble Hill was left in ruins and the once prosperous district fell into decline.
Now a new generation has brought a new vitality; old orchards are being renewed or replanted to pasture and vineyards. The former Governor’s Summer Residence at Marble Hill is being restored to its former glory.
The Renaissance is a Merlot blend (80/20 with Cabernet Sauvignon). In traditional Bordeaux style, the result is a wine exhibiting tones of freshly baked bread and berries wrapped in fruity warmth. Layers of liquorice and leather with remnants of mint transcend to a velvety tannic finish.
Rain-grown on a former apple orchard site, with a north easterly aspect ensuring plenty of sun throughout the day, Merlot thrives at Basket Range. However, most years are too cold for Cabernet Sauvignon, so these vines were grafted over to Pinot Noir after the 2013 harvest and since then, the Renaissance has been pure Merlot. Ageing well. Drink now and until 2023 or more.

Gary Walsh (Wine Front) describes the Renaissance as a “medium bodied wine, with even acidity. A gentle unforced wine, pleasantly gummy tannin and a juicy rose and redcurrant flavoured finish.  Intriguing.”