Chalkers Crossing Hilltops Shiraz 2006

Chalkers Crossing is located 5km south of Young in the Hilltops Region in Southern New South Wales. The 10ha Rockleigh Vineyard, previously a neglected plum orchard, was planted to Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in late 1977.

"Tar, anise and blackberry fruits; the medium-bodied palate is vibrant, focused, long and even, with real depth to the fruit."  James Halliday

French winemaker Celine Rousseau has gone from strength to strength since winning the Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2002. The 2005 Chalkers Crossing Hilltops Shiraz was a triple trophy winner at the 2008 National Wine Show of Australia (including the Trophy for the Best Wine of the Show), and the newly released 2006 is every bit it's equal.

"Chalkers Crossing winemaker, Celine Rousseau, is one of the gems of Australian winemaking."  Campbell Mattinson

Expert reviews

"Outstanding. The palate has layers of seductive red and purple fruits and exceptional length. Drink to 2028."  Nick Munday, Canterbury Wines - 96 points and Special Value Wine  ★  (Tasted Dec 2021)

"Tar, anise and blackberry fruits; the medium-bodied palate is vibrant, focused, long and even, with real depth to the fruit. Screwcap. 15.5% alc."  James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion - 94 points

"Chalkers Crossing winemaker, Celine Rousseau, is one of the gems of Australian winemaking. There's some positive (you could call it obvious) oak influence on this wine, in the form of custardy, malty flavours. They work well with the wine though. For the most part it's plummy and soft, juicy and oh-so-easy to drink. Doesn't seem to have the structure to age more than medium-term, but the quality of the flavour is excellent/outstanding."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 94 points

"A stunning cool-climate shiraz with aromas of red berries, dark cherries and spice, this has bright fruit flavours and fine tannins."  Sally Gudgeon, The Age Sunday Life 

Awards

Special Value Wine – Canterbury Wines  ★

About the winery

Rockleigh Vineyard, just 5km south of Young in the Hilltops Region in Southern New South Wales, was a neglected plum orchard when Chalkers Crossing acquired it.  The orchard was converted to a modern 10ha vineyard in late 1997 with the planting of Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The first crop from these vines was harvested in early 2000. 

Kylmorn Vineyard, 7 km south of Young in the Hilltops Region, was purchased at a later date. It is a 17ha sustainably managed vineyard planted in 2002 with Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. 

The combination of fertile soils, reliable rainfall and a Mediterranean continental climate makes the Hilltops Region ideal for growing premium quality grapes for wine production.

To complement its Hilltops range of wines, Chalkers Crossing buys grapes from the cool climate Tumbarumba Region of southern New South Wales to make Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.  All Chalkers Crossing wines are made at its winery just north of Young.

Winemaker Celine Rousseau was born in France, studied in Paris and trained in Bordeaux.  She gained experience in Bordeaux, Champagne, St Emilion and Languedoc in France, and in the Margaret River and Perth Hills in Western Australia before coming to the Hilltops Region in 2000 for the first Chalkers Crossing vintage. Her exceptional skills were recognised when she won the Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2002. In 2012 she was appointed general manager as well as winemaker.