Description
Granjoux is the resurrection of one of Beechworth’s earliest vineyard sites, set high above the Beechworth Gorge and enclosed by original dry-stone walls built in the 1860s. The 1.1-hectare clos is the passion project of Peter Bartholomew and Donna Pelka, realised through the historical research, viticultural design and ongoing guidance of renowned vigneron Mark Walpole. Together, they have reawakened the former vineyard of French settler Ambrose Granjoise, honouring its origins while pursuing a singular, modern expression of place.
Planted in 2017, the vineyard is densely spaced and individually staked, an uncommon sight in Australia but one inspired by the steep vineyards of the Northern Rhône. Decomposed granite, clay and slate soils naturally favour shiraz, supported by a small inclusion of viognier, alongside Beechworth’s benchmark variety, chardonnay. The site is farmed by hand and undergoes meticulous attention throughout the growing season.
From its first releases, Granjoux has earned outstanding critical acclaim. The inaugural 2021 Chardonnay announced itself as a serious new benchmark, receiving up to 96+ points and praise for its intensity, composure and length, and confirmed with Jancis Robinson awarding it 17+ points. The 2022 Chardonnay followed with equal authority, lauded for its precision and elegance – “…there is real purity here…” from Jancis Robinson, awarding it 17.5 points; while the 2023 Chardonnay has further cemented the vineyard’s reputation, earning scores up to 95+ points for its structure, complexity and long-term cellaring potential. Shiraz from the Granjoux clos has been equally compelling. The 2021 Shiraz debuted to widespread acclaim, scoring up to 96 points for its floral lift, mineral depth and refined tannin profile. The 2022 Shiraz has continued that trajectory, praised for its finesse, savoury complexity and classic Beechworth character, and has been awarded 94 points from Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front) on release.
Granjoux is deliberately small, fiercely focused and guided by a belief that great vineyards reveal themselves over time. Each bottle is a quiet but confident expression of history reclaimed, thoughtful farming, and one extraordinary Beechworth site. The wines are only available in very limited quantities.
