Willem Kurt Wines – Beechworth VIC
Located just South of the Beechworth township at an elevation of 600m above sea level, the Willem Kurt vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, Syrah, Vermentino, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir. The wines are entirely single vineyard, estate grown wines. Hand tended and hand crafted. The Vineyard size is 7 acres (approx 3Ha). Soil type is loam, shale, flecked with quartz.
Vigneron Dan Balzer has developed, from over 25 years of experience, a philosophy of minimal intervention wine making. The aim being to create exceptional wines of elegance and presence that celebrate the variety, the site and the season in which they were grown.
Approach to viticulture is to be attentive and respectful. Nothing happens unless it is necessary, and continually improving the soil is considered in every decision made.
Environmental credentials include an off grid, solar powered winery, a natural organic waste water treatment system, and all grape waste is composted and reused on the property.
Dan began his career in the late 1990’s in the Yarra Valley, he quickly realised that he loved the combination of science and art that wine making provided. Some sliding door moments saw a move to Victoria’s North East in 2003 and the discovery of the quality wine growing region that is Beechworth. In 2012 the Willem Kurt brand was born and in 2017 an excellent parcel of land became available. Planting the vineyard began that year.
2021 WK Chardonnay
The essence of Beechworth chardonnay, beautifully captured. The granitic soils produce an effortless natural balance with a stone-like mineral tang. It’s here in spades, joining nectarine, lime, ruby grapefruit, almond macaroon and nougat laced in a subtle oak spice. Fabulous concentration of fruit on display, smooth and textural, too. Runs long and delicious.
95 points
Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
Published 06 July 2023
2021 WK Chardonnay
Sourced from their home vineyard, planted in 2017, with some additional grapes from another Beechworth vineyard.
Bright, zesty, grapefruit and passionfruit crème brûlée, cedar and spice, with a little struck match. It’s tight and flinty, gently buttery and nutty, ginger, plenty of grapefruity acidity, and a firm finish of excellent length. It’s maybe a little lacking in depth of flavour and concentration, but gee it has some energy to it.
93 points
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
6th June 2023