Punt Road Wines is proudly owned and operated by the Napoleone family and they, along with winemaker Tim Shand, bring a wealth of experience and palpable passion for wine that is reflected in every product made. Brothers Joe and Michael Napoleone have been living and working in the Yarra Valley all their lives. They are passionate fruit growers and wine producers with a team of loyal and dedicated staff. Tim joined Punt Road as winemaker in 2014, having formerly worked at neighboring Giant Steps in Yarra Valley; as well as vintages at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy and Château Margaux in Bordeaux, and stints in Chianti, Oregon and Chile. Already his deft hand is showing results, with the 2015 Napoleone Vineyard Shiraz winning the Trevor Mast Trophy for Best Shiraz (out of 780 tasted) at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards in late 2016. Punt Road’s Napoleone Vineyard was planted in 1987 in Coldstream, the heart of the Yarra Valley in Victoria. Covering around 50 acres, the vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Aspects vary across the site all the way from south facing to north facing with soils clay loam to sandy clay loam. The different aspects in turn provide varied microclimates, an important factor in growing a broad range of varieties. Initially fruit was sold to various producers around the Valley but in 1999, a modern winery was built on the Napoleone Vineyard site. Today, the modern winemaking facility processes fruit sourced from over 75 hectares of privately-owned vineyards that have been planted with varieties best suited to each site. Varietals include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The Punt Road range was first released to the market in 2001 with great success. Only small parcels of the best estate-grown fruit (from the oldest vines) are used for this range. These wines show concentration and complexity but are balanced by regional elegance. Additionally, the winery releases an Airlie Bank range of wines including Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris rose. - Little Peacock
