Southpaw Vineyard

___Southpaw Vineyard is nestled in the foothills of the Willunga Escarpment at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale wine region. On a gentle slope, it has sweeping views over vines, olive groves and the pristine Gulf St Vincent.
___The 16 acre vineyard is planted to Shiraz in deep, free draining alluvial soils peppered with gravel and small stones washed off the hills, enjoying a Mediterranean climate moderated by cool sea breezes and gully winds.
___Each year we aim to produce a wine that reflects the distinctive character of the vineyard and the season. It is the result of the interaction of soil, site, history, weather, climate, and our philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery.
___We decided to call the vineyard Southpaw Vineyard because we are both lucky enough to be left handed.
___Southpaw is slang for lefthanders. Originally referring to left handed baseball pitchers, it has also been used over the years to refer to boxers that lead with their right hand and left handed protagonists in other sports, such as tennis and golf.
___To enjoy Southpaw Vineyard, the local beaches and all that McLaren Vale has to offer there is a villa overlooking the vineyard and the surrounding region available to stay in. Please click here for more information.
___We hope you enjoy our annual experiment which can never be repeated.
___Henry & Lucy Rymill

The Concept

___We started with the idea to produce each year a wine that reflects the distinctive character of a single vineyard and the season.
___Each year the wine would be the result of the interaction of soil, site, history, weather, climate, and a philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery.
___The next step was to find the right vineyard.
___We wanted the wine to provide a connection with the vineyard and a sense of place. We also wanted people to be able to visit and stay at the vineyard if they wanted to, in order to appreciate what we are trying to do.
___Having worked, lived and played in the McLaren Vale region and being familiar with all the great things it has to offer, it was only logical to start looking there.
___We kept an eye on the real estate pages, talked to agents and drove around weekends looking for a suitable site for a couple of years.
___We were looking for a vineyard that was planted mainly with Shiraz, had access to good water, a history of producing high quality grapes and a suitable house for renting out for holiday accommodation. A view and proximity to the beach would be an added bonus.
___In July 2004 we found a vineyard nestled in the foothills of the Willunga Escarpment at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale Wine Region near Sellicks Hill. A former almond grove, it had 16 acres of Shiraz vines , had been producing high quality grapes and had a pipeline from the Myponga Reservoir running through the back of the property providing very pure water. There was also a two storied house with views over the vineyard, McLaren Vale and the Gulf St Vincent, all only five minutes drive from the beautiful Silver Sands beach.
___It fitted the bill perfectly.

Why Southpaw?

___We are both lucky enough to be left handed so we decided to call the vineyard Southpaw Vineyard.
___Southpaw is slang for lefthanders.
___Originally referring to left handed baseball pitchers, it has also been used over the years to refer to boxers who lead with their right hand and left handed protagonists in other sports, such as tennis and golf.
___We thought South was appropriate as the vineyard is at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale region and Paw as it is in the foothills.
___The term Southpaw was thought to be originally coined by Finley Peter Dunne (1867–1936), a Chicago-based U.S. author, writer and humorist who also covered sport in the 1880’s.
___However, the Oxford English Dictionary lists a non-baseball citation for “south paw”, as early as 1848, meaning a punch with the left hand, just three years after the first organised baseball game.

Finley Peter Dunne

___In researching the term Southpaw we came across a character called Finley Peter Dunne, often attributed with coining the term, who we thought was an appropriate honorary posthumous patron of Southpaw Vineyard (if you can have such a title or position).
___Dunne was a charter member of a social circle of Chicago writers in the late 1800s who frequently lampooned and competed with their New York City colleagues in pranks and outlandish stunts. He coined numerous political quips over the years.
___Dunne was a friend of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), with whom he played billiards, smoked cigars and drank. He was a member of Twain’s “Damned Human Race Luncheon Club”.
___He wrote Mr. Dooley in Peace and War in 1898. “Mr. Dooley” became one of the first nationally syndicated newspaper features. Set in a South Side Chicago Irish pub, Mr. Dooley, the owner and bartender, would expound upon political and social issues of the day, using the thick verbiage and accent of an Irish immigrant. Dunne’s sly humor and political acumen won the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, a frequent target of Mr. Dooley’s barbs.
___As a journalist in the age of “muckraking journalism”, Dunne was aware of the power of institutions, including his own.
___Writing as Dooley, Dunne once wrote the following passage cautioning against the power of the newspapers themselves: “Th’ newspaper does ivrything f’r us. It runs th’ polis foorce an’ th’ banks, commands th’ milishy, controls th’ ligislachure, baptizes th’ young, marries th’ foolish, comforts th’ afflicted, afflicts th’ comfortable, buries th’ dead an’ roasts thim aftherward”.

Here are some of Dunne’s other sayings:-

“A fanatic is a man who does what he thinks the Lord would do if He knew the facts of the case.”

“An appeal is when you ask one court to show its contempt for another court.”

“There is one thing to be said in favor of drink, and that is that it has caused many a lady to be loved that otherwise might have died single.”

“Swearing was invented as a compromise between running away and fighting.”

“Minds are like parachutes; they only function when open.”

“Alcohol is necessary for a man so that now and then he can have a good opinion of himself, undisturbed by the facts.”

“The best husbands stay bachelors; they’re too considerate to get married.”

“Many a man that could rule a hundred million strangers with an iron hand is careful to take off his shoes in the front hallway when he comes home late at night.”

“One of the strangest things about life is that the poor, who need money the most, are the very ones that never have it.”

“If you go to the zoo, always take something to feed the animals, even if the signs say ‘Do Not Feed Animals’. It wasn’t the animals that put them signs up.” (Made popular by Forest Gump)

“Like most poets, preachers, and metaphysicians, he burst into conclusion at a spark of evidence.”

What does biodynamic mean?

___Since purchasing the vineyard in 2004 we have endeavoured to improve the vineyard, enhance the soils, and increase the quality of the fruit whilst making it a healthy place to be.
___We wanted to find a healthy, sustainable green alternative to the use of herbicides, weedicides and insecticides employed in so called conventional grapegrowing.
___Initially we looked towards organic grape production but, following careful consideration and consultation, we have identified the Biodynamic system as being very suitable for the site and our situation.
___Whilst not professing to understand entirely the processes involved, we are convinced from our research and tasting of biodynamic wines, as well as initial results that it is our way forward.
___Simply put Biodynamics incorporates much of the organic approach, viewing the soil as a living organism that is part of the environment that includes plants, insects, animals, weather, climate and the cosmos.
___It involves working with all of these interacting elements and applying specific organic preparations to the soil or vineyard at particular times based on when the moon, sun and planets are in certain positions as well as close observation of what is happening in the vineyard.
___Many viticulturists and winemakers, even the most cynical, have been so impressed by this approach and the resulting improvement in vineyards and wine quality that they have trialled or converted to Biodynamics.
___Some wine writers have written about the vibrancy and quality of biodynamic wines.
___The cost of following Biodynamic principles on Southpaw Vineyard appears to be similar or even cheaper than the conventional approach and it makes Southpaw Vineyard a very healthy place to stay and work in.
___The Biodynamic movement or approach began with a series of lectures in 1924 by Austrian philosopher–scientist Rudolf Steiner. He was also the founder of the Waldorf school system.
___One of the greatest producers of Syrah (Shiraz) in the world, Michel Chapoutier, of the Rhône Valley in France, began farming biodynamically in 1991. Today the Chapoutiers farm all 250 ha of their vineyards this way.
___Click here to visit the website of Biodynamic Agriculture Australia
___Click here to visit the website of Red, White and Green

Stay at Southpaw

___Overlooking the Southpaw Vineyard is a two story villa with views of vineyards, olive groves and paddocks, as well as most of the McLaren Vale wine region, the Mt Lofty Ranges and the pristine waters of Gulf St Vincent.
___The five bed roomed house, which is 5 minutes drive from the beautiful Silver Sands beach, sleeps up to 12 people and has a large deck upstairs complete with outdoor setting and barbeque to take full advantage of the glorious views.
___Southpaw Villa has two separate living areas, a wood burning fire, contemporary furnishings and is close to all the local wineries, restaurants and attractions. The layout means a couple can enjoy all the amenities of the first floor without rattling around a large house.
___It also a is great staging post for further exploration of all that the Fleurieu Peninsula has to offer.
___Whether you stay for a weekend or a week come and get a feel for all the Southpaw Vineyard and the world famous McLaren Vale wine region has to offer.
___We can even arrange for 6 bottles or a dozen of the elusive Southpaw Vineyard Shiraz to be waiting for you when you arrive. Just make a request with our agent when you book.
___Click here to make a booking or enquiry.
___Click on the images below to enlarge

A special patch of dirt

___Southpaw Vineyard is located at the end of Rogers Road, Sellicks Hill, nestled in the foothills of the Willunga Escarpment at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale wine region.
___It is on a gentle slope, with sweeping views over vines, olive groves and the pristine Gulf St Vincent.
___This small 16 acre vineyard is planted to Shiraz in deep, free draining alluvial soils peppered with gravel and small stones washed off the hills, enjoying a Mediterranean climate moderated by cool sea breezes and gully winds.
___Southpaw Vineyard as a site naturally produces between two and three tonnes per acre because conditions limit the crop.
___These same conditions also limit the likelihood of pests and diseases.
___As a result we usually only need to cut a few weeds, scare away a few birds and apply biodynamic sprays to keep the soils and vines healthy.
___Click here to view a map showing the vineyard

McLaren Vale

___We believe that McLaren Vale is one of the best places in the world to grow grapes and make wine.
___We are not the only ones. There are quite a lot of people around the world who feel the same way.
___McLaren Vale is a historic and world renowned wine region 40 mins drive south of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.
___A band of rolling hills and vales nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges to the East and the pristine waters and beaches of Gulf St Vincent to the West; McLaren Vale enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters.
___From the times of the original inhabitants, the Kaurna tribe, the region has always been a dynamic and abundant area.
___There are beautiful clean sandy beaches, fine regional produce, a wide range of restaurants, olive groves, vineyards, warm hospitality and a leaning towards sustainable and green practises.
___There is also a great spirit of co-operation amongst the locals of McLaren Vale, which includes many ratbags and characters from all walks of life.
___Click here to visit the website of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association

Why is McLaren Vale so good?

___The right amount of sun and rain at the right time means plenty of flavour and fewer problems in the vineyard.
___A variety of soils and a mixture of people mean a lot of interesting wines.
___And Shiraz just thrives in McLaren Vale, although Grenache, Cabernet and many other varieties do very well also.

Things you should do when in McLaren Vale!

___Have fresh whiting or salt and pepper squid for lunch at the Victory Hotel
___Buy some local produce at the Willunga Farmer’s Market
___Have a swim or walk on Port Willunga beach
___Drive the car on to Silver Sands Beach, set up camp and enjoy a day on the beach
___Have a pizza at Russell’s in Willunga
___Spend at least two days visiting and tasting wines at cellar doors
___Buy meat from Ellis’s Butcher in McLaren Vale
___But smoked meats and wurst from Hamlet’s in Willunga
___Fossick on Aldinga reef at low tide
___Have lunch at d’Arry’s Verandah, the Salopian Inn or Fino or any of the various restaurants in the region
___Take a scenic flight over the vineyards and coast

___Click here to visit the website of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association

About Shiraz

___The ability of Shiraz to express itself with exuberance on any given site, presenting regional character as well as a sense of place, lead us to seeking out a distinctive Shiraz vineyard.
___Shiraz or Syrah was once thought to have been brought back to France from Persia during the Crusades and planted by a hermit on the side of a hill that became known as Hermitage in the Rhone Valley.
___However recent DNA testing shows that Shiraz is a cross between Mondeuse Blanche from the Savoie region and Dureza grapes from the northern Ardeche region west of the Rhone Valley. There are records of Shiraz plantings in France dating back to 500BC.
___Shiraz has thrived as the major variety in the northern Rhone Valley appellations of Hermitage, Cote Rotie and Cornas as well as being a great contributor in the southern Rhone appellations of Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf des Papes.
___Shiraz arrived in Australia with the Busby Collection in 1832 and has since been planted in every wine region as they are established.
___The great strength of Shiraz is its ability to express itself and reflect the site in which it is planted.
___In warm regions Shiraz produces rich jammy styles while cooler sites present spicy structured styles. Shiraz might have plum, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, black pepper and earthy flavours and aromas. It can be big, firm and complex to age for many years or rich with soft tannins for drinking young. It also blends well with Cabernet or Grenache.
___Shiraz seems to enjoy life very much in McLaren Vale with examples of the region’s output enjoyed all over the world.

Who are we?

___Who are we? We are Henry and Lucy Rymill, with an enthusiastic band of fellow believers.
___Ours is a mixed marriage. Henry is a local South Australian lad born in Adelaide. Lucy was born in Georgetown, Penang of English parents with Scottish heritage.
___Henry has worked as a cellar hand at Wirra Wirra Vineyards in McLaren Vale, been Assistant Editor of the Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Journal, worked for Oddbins, the Australian Wine Bureau and the Australian Wine Centre in London.
___He then became Wirra Wirra Vineyards’ Sales and Marketing Manager in the UK and Europe before returning to Australia to become Wirra Wirra’s Marketing Manager.
___From there Henry helped friends Kevin and Helen O’Brien to establish Kangarilla Road Winery, working in the vineyard and cellars as well as marketing.
___More recently he has worked with Hamilton’s Ewell Vineyards of the Barossa Valley before setting upBig Sky PR, a public relations and marketing company, with Hamilton Heading of Hamilton G Heading Advertising.
___Lucy has achieved considerable success as a nurse working in top hospitals in London and Adelaide bringing to bear great passion, compassion and managerial skills. All of which have been required in dealing with her husband, her daughter and the wine industry.
___In 2004 Henry and Lucy, joined by a group of friends and family, conspired to buy what is now called Southpaw Vineyard and commence the exciting journey of hopefully producing highly regarded wines enjoyed by avid followers.
___In the years immediately following we experienced extremely low grape prices and severe drought, as well as much pleasure which has served to steel our resolve.
___We hope you enjoy our annual experiment, the Southpaw Vineyard Shiraz, which can never be repeated.

Wine-making philosophy

___Each year, our aim is to produce an interesting wine that reflects the distinctive character of the Southpaw Vineyard, whilst displaying a typical McLaren Vale regional personality.
___Therefore our winemaking starts in the vineyard and probably commenced when we looked for and purchased the Southpaw Vineyard.
___We were looking to let the vineyard express itself, so we wanted a vineyard that needed minimal interference to produce high quality fruit.
___Southpaw Vineyard is naturally low yielding, producing grapes with intense fruit flavours and chalky tannins.
___In the winery every effort is made to capture the character of the fruit with gentle crushing and extended fermentation followed by maturation in a blend of new and older French oak hogsheads for around 12 months to ensure the resulting wine is balanced.

The vineyard

___Southpaw Vineyard is near Sellicks Hill, nestled in the foothills of the Willunga Escarpment at the Southern end of the McLaren Vale wine region.
___Originally an almond orchard, the first six acres (2.5ha) of Shiraz were planted in 1995 followed by a further 10 acres (4ha) in 2001, all planted with an East-West orientation.
___The deep soils drain well and are stony, silty loams over red clay that have been washed off the Willunga Escarpment.
___The vineyards on the side of Sellicks Hill are some of the earlier ripening vineyards in the McLaren Vale region and benefit from the moderating effect of the nearby Gulf St Vincent and gully breezes.
___The prevailing winds and gully breezes also act as a natural impediment to moulds and mildews as well as restraining crop levels.
___We have decided to follow biodynamic practises on the Southpaw Vineyard which means no weedicides or fungicides are used and natural biodynamic applications are made to the soils and vines to improve quality and sustainability.
___The site is on a North facing slope which maximises interception of sunlight and enjoys wet cool winters followed by warm to hot summers.

___Click here to view a map showing the vineyard

Vintage to vintage

___Southpaw Vineyard is all about what the vineyard produces each year. So what happens with the weather each year influences the end result—Southpaw Shiraz.

2005 Vintage

__McLaren Vale experienced good winter rains in 2004 setting up the vines for the growing season. Early shoot growth was strong leading to the development of larger canopies in many vineyards which can be a problem for shading and flavours. However Southpaw Vineyard naturally tends not to be very vigorous and have overly large canopies.
___The vineyard enjoyed a mild summer with few days of extreme temperatures resulting in an excellent even ripening period and we saw good flavour develop, balanced by fine tannins.

2006 Vintage

___In 2005 McLaren Vale had a wet winter with rains continuing through an early spring. This slowed initial growth but set up the vineyard for the fine warmer weather in January and February.
___Again the location of Southpaw Vineyard in the foothills near the sea alleviated any disease problems and moderated the effects of very hot weather.
___The vineyard was picked in the first week of March with the fruit showing great richness and spicy plum and cherry flavours, good structure and the distinctive fine tannins the soils seem to produce.

The wine

___Each year we aim to produce a wine that reflects the distinctive character of the vineyard and the season. It is the result of the interaction of soil, site, history, weather, climate, and our philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery.

2005 tasting notes

___McLaren Vale experienced good winter rains in 2004 setting up the vines for the growing season. Early shoot growth was strong leading to the development of larger canopies in many vineyards which can be a problem for shading and flavours. However Southpaw Vineyard naturally tends not to be very vigorous and have overly large canopies.
___The vineyard experienced a mild summer with few days of extreme temperatures resulting in an excellent even ripening period and we saw good flavour develop balanced, by fine tannins.
___Colour: Dark purple and red.
___Aroma: Black cherry, plum, spicy notes of black pepper and asian spices complemented by hints of integrated French oak and distinctive sweet fruit aromas.
___Palate: Rich spicy fruit with cherry and plum flavours, persistent smooth finish balanced by fine tannins and elegance making a well structured food friendly wine. Distinctive Southpaw Vineyard characters.
___Click here to download this tasting note as a pdf.

Contact us

Henry & Lucy Rymill

Sellicks Foothill Wine Company,
Level 1, 30 Flinders Street,
Kent Town 5067
South Australia, Australia
Telephone +61 (0)8 8132 1279
Facsimile +61 (0)8 8132 1288
Mobile +61 (0)438 784 699
info@southpawvineyard.com.au