The Lion Mill Vineyards Wines

Lion Mill wines are produced from hand-picked fruit grown on the property. A constant is the care and time we commit to our viticulture. Our small size enables us to spend a great deal more time in the vineyard; probably much more than is economically justifiable and certainly more than in other situations where wine comes from grapes grown and processed under what are basically large-scale industrial processes.

However, the time we spend on tasks like hand pruning, shoot thinning and fruit thinning enables us to ensure that the grapes are given the best opportunity to express their varietal characters. Yet, each vintage is different for us, for our fruit always reflects something of the factors over which we have no control: variations in each season and our terroir.

Of course, our labour in the vineyard is only part of the story for we rely on the skill and fine judgement of our winemakers to give expression to the work we have put in with the vines. In this respect, we are fortunate in having Josh and Rachael Davenport at Myattsfield Vineyard and Winery as our winemakers. Their attention to detail and the high standard of their work ensure a premium quality product enjoyed by wine enthusiasts and praised by wine judges. You can read more about them in Max Allen’s book, The Future Makers.

Ultimately, the quality of the wines is a combination of all these factors: our commitment to excellence in viticultural practice, the close attention to detail that can only come from long hours spent in the vineyard, and the excellence in winemaking that the Davenports bring to their craft. Naturally, we ensure that they are supported in their efforts by supplying high-quality French, American and Hungarian oak.

We produce both red and white wines. Our reds include Tempranillo, Shiraz, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot blend, and a highly regarded Montepulciano, Durif and Zinfandel. Our “Reserve” blend has been outstanding and always worthy of extended cellaring. The winemakers have also crafted a wonderful Blanc de Blancs by the traditional method, an award-winning barrel fermented and oak aged Semillon, an easy drinking Classic White and a Rosè. As well, we have a Sparkling Shiraz (again produced by the traditional method) and a Liqueur Zinfandel.