Interview with James Tilbrook from Tilbrook Estate in the beautiful Adelaide Hills
Here I find myself driving up the Adelaide Hills towards Lobethal – 43 degrees and not a German in sight. Lobethal as well as the slightly more advanced Hahndorf were both named by German settlers in the early 19th century. Both are tourist attractions representing German heritage downunder. On top of that these two villages deserve their fame for their exceptional winemakers working in scenic vineyards. The region is considered cool climate, but on such a hot day I am very happy about my cool climate rental car which provides comfort.
I have an appointment with James Tilbrook, he immigrated from England in 1998, bought his first 8 acres vineyard in 1999 and has become a real shooting star since then. We meet in his cellar door right in the middle of Lobethal, about an hours drive away from Adelaide.
downunderwines: Thank you for your time James, especially in the summer months when tourists come to visit the cellar doors.
Tilbrook: no worries, I actually haven’t sold a single bottle so far (it is 11 o’clock) – lots of lookers but no buyers around today.
downunderwines: Can you tell us a bit about your personal background please. What made you become a winemaker here in the Adelaide Hills region?
Tilbrook: I have been working for Majestic Wines, a big wine retail group in London and received such a fantastic insight in tasting wines from all over the world. I highly appreciated the tastings of different styles from countries that have highly diverse ways of making wine. I spent eight years with them and decided that it was time to become involved in wine-making myself. But my background has more been in retailing the wines.
downunderwines: And how did it work out for you here in Adelaide Hills?
Tilbrook: We had our first harvest in 2001, which was exciting. Over the years we have added plantings and now grow a wider range of cool climate wines, from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay to Shiraz, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir.
downunderwines: So what is your personal favourite?
Tilbrook: I like to try out things, we are a small winery and make everything here in this building. My favourite wine though at the moment is my Pinot Noir, we have a 2007 Tilbrook Reserve Pinot Noir, which is sensational. Unfortunately we only make low quantities of this wine.
downunderwines: And all these grapes are planted in the same area?
Tilbrook: Yes, our vineyards are situated towards Lenswood at about 440m altitude. We currently have 50 acres under vines and are planting more.
I then had the chance to taste a few of James Tilbrook’s wines, starting with his 2006 Chardonnay, which was complemented by 15% Sauvignon grapes. Twelve months in 15-20 year old barrels had helped this wine to display his fruity characters. I tasted melon and stone-fruit, the wine has a great length and clearly represents the new generation of Australian Chardonnays. A great wine with food.
No doubt, we will stay in contact, James Tilbrook is a highly unusual and interesting figure in Australia’s wine making scene, his wines are outstanding. Thanks for your time James and see you soon again.
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Bei 43 Grad geniesse ich die Fahrt im klimatisierten Mietwagen von Adelaide in die malerischen Adelaide Hills. Hier treffe ich James Tilbrook, aus England eingewanderter Winzer, der seit 1998 in der Naehe Lobethals Wein macht. James ist ein interessanter Typ, hat er sich die Kunst des Weinmachens selbst beigebracht, seine ersten Erfahrungen hat er acht Jahre lang in einem grossen Weinhandel in London gemacht.
Typisch fuer die cool climate Region Adelaide Hills ist das Portfolio von Tilbrook Estate, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc und Pinot Gris und Noir sind die Weine in seinem Angebot. Er selbst hat einen phantastischen 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir kreiiert, leider gibt es davon nur wenige Kisten im Jahr.
Viel Spass beim Lesen des Interviews mit James Tilbrook.
Michael Brecht
Related posts:
- James Halliday im Interview in Sydney – 2. Teil
- Wilde Fuechse aus den Adelaide Hills: der d’Arenberg Pinot Noir
- Cool Climate vor den Toren von Canberra: Lerida Estate
- Hardys Sir James- Eleganz und Tradition
- Moorooduc Estate – irgendwo auf der Mornington Peninsula
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I really enjoyed reading this interview and I will therefore go out and see Tilbrook on one of the weekends in February. Thanks Chantal