Esto Wines

The Dean family have been grapegrowers in the Adelaide Hills since 1994, and have progressively established three vineyards: the largest is 13ha planted in '94 at Balhannah, with a clonal mix of shiraz, semillon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, from which Charlotte Hardy makes Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc for the Esto label. Shiraz, made by Phil Christiansen, is also made from this block. The next block (mostly pinot noir and chardonnay, with a postage stamp-sized planting of sangiovese) nestles in the Piccadilly Valley in the afternoon shadow of Mt Lofty. All of the grapes from this vineyard are purchased by a distinguished group of Adelaide Hills winemakers. The third block, of 6.5ha - The Farside - is mostly sauvignon blanc and pinot gris, the bulk of which is purchased by Petaluma. -JAMES HALLIDAY