Just Red Wines was established at Ballandean when Tony and Julia bought the property in 1997. Prior to the purchase they had run a vineyard and winery in New Zealand and produced five vintages. Tony has a Graduate Diploma from Lincoln University in Viticulture and Enology and a Master of Science in Agriculture. Tony and Julia, together with their son Michael wanted to produce a particular style of red wine and they decided Australia’s Granite Belt was the most likely contender.
Michael, also a wine maker at Just Red Wines, has a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Enology. The vineyard has a small cellar door where you will usually be greeted by Tony or Julia.
Tony is a deep thinking and humble man – I sometimes wonder if he realises how skilled he is at wine making – who is kind and appreciative of others. He is willing and enthusiastic to discuss all things wine and, provided that you ask engaging questions, you will certainly leave his cellar door with useful and interesting knowledge you didn’t possess prior to your visit.
Just Red Wines is one of two vineyards on The Granite Belt that has planted Tannat, the other is Boireann Winery. Tony’s Tannat wines are usually drinkable earlier than the ones from Boireann. Tannat is a French variety that really enjoys the local conditions, it thrives and requires far less attention than other varieties. Tannat is also quite a powerful grape with strong tannins. Tony has produced some lovely Tannat wines over many vintages and the wines have received strong accolades. Recently, Tuesday 13th August 2019, I visited Just Red Wines cellar door and tried the 2018 Tannat, I promptly ordered a dozen. The 2018 is a great Tannat and it relegates the excellent 2016 to second place among Just Red Tannat’s I have tasted. The Just Red Wines Shiraz Viognier is another wine that is exceedingly popular among cellar door visitors and club/mailing list members.
The Wines
• Cabernet Sauvignon | • CMT – a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Tannat blend | • Daily Red Shiraz | • Nikki’s Vineyard Syrah | • Shiraz Viognier | • Sweet Merlot | • Tannat
Details
Location: 2370 Eukey Rd, Ballandean 4382.
Hours: 7 days 10 – 5pm.
Call Tony and Julia 0746841322
Just Red Wines Web Site