Wykari Wines

About this Cellar

Wykari is the newest boutique wine label to be launched on the Clare Valley wine scene. While consumers may not yet be familiar with the name, the fruit comes with a good pedigree and the wines are already making a big impact among wine lovers.

Wykari is a family based venture operating under the name of “The Company”. It includes three local families, Peter and Robyn Shearer, Gavin and Sarah Bittner and Rob and Mandy Knight. Each member of “The Company” brings his or her own special skill, be it marketing expertise, vineyard management, financial management, wine promotion or wine appreciation. Wykari is of aboriginal origin – meaning Windy Hill!

Together, our small company now owns two vineyards to the north and south of Clare, totalling 25 acres.  These vineyards are managed by our families and the kids have become expert pruners and slave workers (although most of their time is spent riding motorbikes, playing in the dams and sitting around the bon fire).

Although only a new player in the wine market, “The Company” has the advantage of proven vineyards when sourcing most of its fruit. In 2007, “The Company” purchased Geoff & June Harrison’s established vineyards located on the western slopes of the Clare Valley. Our vineyards are predominately dry grown and consist of 6-38 year old Shiraz and Riesling vines, 11 year old Cabernet vines and 20 year old Chardonnay vines.  Our wines are made from the fruit grown in our vineyards and also from a small parcel of fruit that we have selected from another local grower to compliment our wine.  Two local wineries – Cardinham Estates and Paulett’s Wines produce the wine on our behalf and we have had great support from our local community. 

Wykari produces two elegant wines which both demonstrate true varietal characteristics and a delicious depth of flavour.

The 2006 Wykari “The Company” Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a palate that displays succulent plums and sweet mint with a hint of liquorice that lingers on the finish. The wine has already won a bronze medal at its first outing at the Australian Cabernet Competition. Our 250 cases were made by Cardinham Estate; the wine has gone a long way in establishing “The Company” on the highly competitive wine scene.

This medal winning wine is complemented by the flagship 2008 Wykari “The Company” Riesling which was released in August. This wine, made by Neil Paulett of Paulett Wines, displays all the classic lemon, lime citrus flavours that elevates Clare Valley Riesling above the rest. The wine has a powerful fruit driven nose that gives way to a crisp palate and has an impressive length and natural acidity that should allow for graceful aging for the next five years. (A limited release of 200 cases)