The Granite Belt, QLD

Last year I had the opportunity to visit the Granite Belt in QLD. I visited a few of the cellar doors, which are steadily increasing in number in this emerging wine district. The Granite Belt is a great destination for a weekend away due to its sensational National Parks, range of cellar doors, impressive restaurants and proximity to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. The following winerys were two highlights.

Ballandean Estate
www.ballandeanestate.com

This family owned vineyard and winery had some fine offerings. They are producing some good wine and last year experienced some significant show success with their Generation 3 Shiraz. 

Attached to the cellar door is the Barrel Room Cafe, where chefs Matt and Bobbi Wells are doing some amazing things. The food was so good we went back the following day. Given the opportunity, I would have tried to sample the whole menu, but alas, we had to move on.

Family Reserve Chardonnay (2008) RRP $22, 93.
Shiraz Viognier (2006) RRP $17, 91.
Estate Shiraz (2005) RRP $17, a shy nose with a silky tannins on the palate and good length - 93.
Cabernet Sauvignon (2006) RRP $17, 93.
Family Reserve Shiraz (2006) RRP $25, 92.

Golden Grove
www.goldengroveestate.com.au

This was my pick of the cellar doors in this region. Their winemaker, Ray Costanzo, is doing some good things, particularly with alternative varieties. The wines consistently showed great intensity of flavour and balance.

Barbera (2008) RRP $20, 94.
Tempranillo (2008) RRP $22, 93-94.
Malbec (2008) RRP $28, 93-94.
Durif (2008) RRP $28, 93.
Mediteranean Red blend of tempranillo, durif and barberra (2009) RRP $18, very good value - 94
Shiraz (2007) RRP $35, 95.