Field note / 01
North-facing rows · Heathcote
A vineyard
that follows
the hill.
Old-world varieties, hand work and a long growing season, all shaped by the granite country of central Victoria.
Read the field notes
Estate index A vineyard
GRANITE SOILS · HAND-TENDED VINESThe place
Central Victorian soil. A distinctly McIvor expression.
McIvor Estate's wines reflect the climate and soils of the Heathcote Wine Region. The vineyard runs along a gently undulating, north-facing slope, with each variety placed and tended according to what it needs from the site.
The mix moves from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and regionally acclaimed Shiraz to Italian varieties including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Vermentino, alongside Rhône whites Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
The result is not one house flavour, but a family resemblance: aromatic wines with elegance, structure and the ability to develop with time.
Balance begins by hand.
The vines are hand-pruned so the plant enters the growing season in balance and has the best opportunity to produce quality fruit.
Gentle at harvest.
Grapes are picked by hand, keeping fruit in good condition on its short journey from the rows to the winery.
Time does its work.
Traditional open fermentation and careful oak ageing help translate the late-season fruit into wines of perfume, finesse and length.
Planting ledger
A mixed vineyard, by design.
Italian, French and regional varieties share the slope. The newest chapter is Chenin Blanc: graft material drawn from South Africa, France and California, with first yields expected in the next couple of years.
Shiraz
A regional signature, grown for depth, perfume and structure.
V01Sangiovese
An early alternative planting at the estate, prized for freshness and red-fruit character.
V02Nebbiolo
A fine-boned Italian variety that rewards patient growing and cellaring.
V03Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic estate red variety, picked for balance and full flavour.
V04Merlot
A supple companion within the estate's traditional red plantings.
V05Marsanne
One of the estate's longstanding alternative white varieties.
V06Vermentino
A bright Mediterranean variety well suited to the mixed-farm philosophy.
V07Roussanne
A textural Rhône white variety, bringing depth and gentle spice to the estate's white plantings.
V08Viognier
An aromatic Rhône variety prized for stone-fruit perfume, generosity and lift.
V09Chenin Blanc
New graft material from South Africa, France and California is expected to yield in the next couple of years.
V10Coming to the rows
Chenin Blanc, with three points of view.
Graft material from South Africa, France and California brings distinct lineage to the estate. The vines need time before they give their first meaningful crop; that patience is part of the story.
Taste the vineyard in the current releases.
Explore estate wines shaped by these rows, or plan a tasting at the cellar door.
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