Place of Changing Winds
What importer-turned-vigneron
As the Melbourne based Australian agent for some of France’s top growers, such as Domaine Hubert Lamy’s Olivier Lamy, Walters is pioneering similar methods (such as high-density plantings) to try and fast-track a sense of place in his wines.
In 2012, Walters established Place of Changing Winds in the foothills of Mt Macedon. Within a 3ha site surrounded by forest, he has planted up to an astonishing 45,000 vines per hectare to promote competition between plants and deeper root systems, producing lower yields of intensely flavoured grapes.
Learning first-hand that changes in farming can lead to extraordinary wines, Walters has developed organic techniques specifically adapted to his estate. Fruit is hand-picked and destemmed with scissors before fermentation and ageing in Stockinger barrels in a cellar next to the vineyard.
Designed to wow top-end Burgundy drinkers, Walters’ ‘Beyond the Forest’ Pinot Noir shows intoxicating aromas of berry fruits and complex spices, while ‘Between Two Mountains’ Pinot Noir is sleek and luxurious like a great Volnay with a silky texture.
Walters also crafts two Syrahs from vineyards north of Mt Macedon, made in consultation with late Crozes-Hermitage legend Alain Graillot and his son Maxime: ‘Heathcote’ offers dark, spicy fruit from its red Cambrian soils, whereas ‘Harcourt’ – grown on granite and fermented with 50% whole bunches – is open and floral.
Finally, Walters’ astonishing ‘Tradition’ wines combine Pinot Noir with Syrah and Chardonnay with Marsanne, resulting in two beautifully distinctive and compelling cuvées that knit together the unique characters of each grape variety and terroir.
Place of Changing Winds is redefining what makes a great Australian wine.
‘Beyond the Forest’ Pinot Noir 2022 (£205)
Perfume and concentration in such balance – one of Australia’s finest Pinots.
‘Between Two Mountains’ Pinot Noir 2022 (£125)
Fine and spicy, rose petal, and silty tannins carry through to the long finish.
‘Heathcote’ Syrah 2021 (£50)
Red and black berries with a mineral, ferrous edge – so engaging and pretty.
‘Harcourt’ Syrah 2022 (£50)
Cherry and raspberry with pressed flowers – incredibly delicate, yet nicely chewy.
‘Tradition’ Red 2022 (£78)
Syrah/Pinot. Plums and white pepper – crunchy and fresh with chalky tannins.
‘Tradition’ White 2022 (£78)
Marsanne/Chardonnay – golden, spiced fruit layered with curry leaf and sea salt.
Please note that this offer has expired, however you can check current stocks via the search bar or shop@shrinetothevine.co.uk