Brian ‘Prof’ Lynn has opened the first stages of his Majella winery on his Coonawarra vineyard. The barrel and wine store will ultimately become a processing facility, but for the time being, Lynn’s wine will be made under the watchful eyes of Bruce Gregory at the Brands winery, owned by McWilliams. The new building also houses offices and a cellar door facility. The Majella label will expand as long-term supply contracts with Southcorp expire. Southcorp has taken around 85% of Majella’s crop in previous years some of which, says the rumour-mill, has found its way into Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon and Michael Hermitage. The vineyard’s 42 ha contain 20 ha each of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, plus two ha of merlot. Majella’s 1994 Shiraz costs $16 per bottle, while the 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon, a winner of 6 gold medals, costs $20. Available only at the cellar door is a Sparkling Shiraz 1995 for $20.
