Hamilton Vineyard — Kuitpo, Adelaide Hills
June 2022
From a lesser-known part of the Adelaide Hills region, Kuitpo is where you'll find David Hamiltons Vineyard.
From its highest point, the land is 340m above sea level. Fittingly, David himself stands tall, towering, yet softly spoken. He talks passionately about his work and his fruit, and humbly (if at all) about himself.
His vineyard was purchased in 1997. Spanning across rolling hectares, split into 15 blocks, with 10 different varieties planted throughout.
David explains his reasoning for developing his vineyard in the Kuitpo region, he's studious and knowledgable about the land itself and its climate - which shows in his ability to grow the premium fruit that he does.
The land is influenced by southerly winds, with a fluctuation of a roughly 30°C diurnal variation. This variation in air temperature in the same day, he says is a wanted stress relief for the vines. A cool relief overnight, during South Australia's warmer months.
It's this culmination of knowledge and rare qualities, that drew Jordan to using David's vineyard for this PINOT NOIR.
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Minimal water use, pushing the vines to grow deeper roots, also has less impact on the property's water usage. Ironstone Gravel soil, which David points out, acts as good drainage, contrastingly has strong water retention.
This commitment to the viticulture, and deeper understanding of the vines and the land itself, is why the Pinot Noir D5V12 clone is so good. One of three Pinot varieties David cultivates.
David does make his own wine too, but that's not his focus. His wines have won awards here and there (something he finds ironic), but he says he only made it to show the standard of his fruit.
In a saturated wine region, it was the most direct way to prove his vineyard, was producing the highest standard.
In a saturated wine region, it was the most direct way to prove his vineyard, was producing the highest standard.
Jordan Hein and the Moorak Wines community acknowledges and pays respect to the past,
present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of
this nation. The aim is to support and develop the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Always was and always will be, Aboriginal Land.
Always was and always will be, Aboriginal Land.
