Glenlofty Estate
Pyrenees , Victoria
Winery Overview
Glenlofty Estate’s vineyards sprawl across the foothills of the Pyrenees appellation in Western Victoria. Here the climate, ancient granitic soil types and varying slopes mirror those of France’s northern Rhône region. The vineyards were planted in 1995 and until 2010 sent their cool-climate premium fruit for blending into high-end wines under Seppelts and Penfolds labels.
In 2010 the 140 ha vineyards were acquired by the pioneering Richmond-Smith family, well-known in Australian agriculture since 1839. The first wines released under the Glenlofty brand appeared in 2013, and were an immediate success, winning gold medals across the world. James Halliday awarded Glenlofty his coveted 5-star winery rating shortly afterwards, reflecting great credit on consulting winemakers Andrew Koerner and Chris Smales of Blue Pyrenees.
Glenlofty is best-known for its Shiraz and Roussanne/Marsanne, which combine intensity with elegance in a way that’s totally unlike the wines of Australia’s warmer regions like Barossa or the Hunter Valley. But Glenlofty Estate is also fast earning accolades for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and other varietal wines.
Seeking Distribution in
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam
Chief Winemaker/s
Andrew Koerner, Chris Smales, Scott Gerard (Viticulturist)
Winemaker Bio
Graduating in 1992 with a degree in the applied science of Oenology, Andrew Koerner headed off to the Yarra Valley in Victoria, working
as assistant winemaker at St. Huberts. This winery became part of the Len Evans Rothbury group along with the historic Saltram Winery in the Barossa Valley, allowing a transfer back to South Australia as winemaker at Saltram in 1995.
With a thirst for wider experience Andrew moved to Rosemount in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley in 1999. Here he took on a role as
Senior Winemaker, later becoming Manager after Rosemount’s merger with Southcorp in 2001.In 2004, Andrew was made an offer to join and lead the team at Blue Pyrenees Estate and was delighted to come on board.
Andrew recognised Blue Pyrenees as an iconic Victorian brand from a still emerging region, the Pyrenees, which has the most diverse winemaking potential Andrew has ever seen. Andrew has been making Glenlofty Wines since 2011.