Olssens of Watervale

About this Cellar

The first Olssen wine was produced in 1994. Since then the range of wines has grown significantly and production is now around 4000 cases per year.

This growth reflects Olssens of Watervale’s long-term vision and strong commitment to planting new and interesting grape varieties, with a view to producing unique super premium wines. The new varieties, Mataro, Primitivo, Carmenère, Malbec and Petit Verdot planted at Bass Hill Vineyard have now come into their own, producing high quality grapes and, as a result, some very exciting wines.

The Olssens believe they are the only wine producer in Australia with all six ‘Bordeaux’ red grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenère) growing in the one vineyard. The Olssen Six is their showpiece for these varieties, and the 2005 vintage was released early in 2008. Also released at about the same time was the Olssen 2006 Bass Hill Vineyard Carmenère. Both these wines — unique Australian firsts — have received great reviews in 2008.