VINES & VARIETALS

Drury Lane Estate is a well established Vineyard at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Previously known as Hermitage Heights Vineyard, its vines were planted on site 30 years ago and were originally cloned from old Draytons and Penfolds vines.

• Shiraz – (Approx 6 acres) planted in 1996 with clones from Draytons Happy Valley 120 years old vines. 
• Chardonnay – (Approx 4 acres) planted in 1996 with clones from Penfolds Hermitage Rd. 

Drury Lane bottled approximately 850 dozen bottles in their first vintage. The remaining fruit from the vineyard is sold under contract to Tyrrell’s wines. 

SOIL

On limestone foundations, the type of soil on our vineyard varies widely from the top of the vineyard to bottom. Red clay soil rests on the high ground, silty soils adorn the hillsides and sandy loam dominates the alluvial flats at the base. It contains mostly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s nutrient dense, and has significant water holding capacity which means our grapes have plenty to eat and drink.

CLIMATE

The Hunter Valley’s climate has a reputation for being unpredictable, making it a difficult region for grape growing. In the past decade alone the region has experienced drought, fires, flood, rain and hailstorms. These climatic events mean the vignerons and viticulturists in the Hunter region are some of the hardest working and best in the business. In summer the average daily temperature is between 28-30°C, spiking at times to 45°C and in winter 16-18°C, dipping to lows of 2-4°C overnight.