RIKARD Wines

William Rikard-Bell’s first job as winemaker was at Canobolas Smith in Orange. After interludes in Bordeaux, Mudgee and the Hunter, he returned to Orange and purchased a 10ha block on Mt Canobolas with his wife Kimberley. They have planted 5000 pinot noir and chardonnay vines at 1050m above sea level. More chardonnay and pinot will be planted in the future, and possibly some riesling. The vines are close planted, with narrow rows and a low cordon height. The grapes are hand picked, the small-batch wines made using traditional Old World techniques. A winery and bottling line was completed in February '20. -JAMES HALLIDAY