Rosehill
Head and Shoulders Above the Rest
First planted by O’Shea in 1946, Rosehill’s rare ancient volcanic soil structure, uniquely high elevation and North Easterly aspect has it dubbed one of the Hunter Valley’s elite vineyards, dedicated to producing world-class Shiraz.
The Story
1945
Maurice O’Shea purchased the Rosehill site during the Second World War from Emily Dunn. It was originally selected for its visible similarities to the Old Hill & Old Paddock vineyards sharing similar elevation and soil structure.
1946
Rosehill was planted and dedicated to Shiraz (then referred to as Hermitage). It was O’Shea’s firm belief that this site would provide the perfect growing conditions and ripening times to produce full-flavored red fruit.
1965
Rosehill is extended by then Chief Winemaker Brian Walsh who learned under Maurice O’Shea. He maintained Rosehill’s dedication to Shiraz but the additional blocks were planted more closely together thanks to the improvement in trellis design and cultivation. These vines providing their own unique character.
Rosehill Location
Pokolbin, Lower Hunter Valley, NSW
Elevation
60-100m
Varieties
Shiraz (27ha)
Mencia (.6ha)
Touriga (1ha)
Vine Orientation
Mainly East-West; some areas
of the vineyard are planted
North -South to the contours
of the land to allow good
sunlight.
Vines Per Hectare
2000
Row Spacing
3.35m
Vine Spacing
1.5m
Harvest
February
Irrigation
Drip Irrigation
Trellising
Vertical Shoot Positioning and Cordon Ballerina — ensuring maximum sunlight penetration.
Soil Type
Rich Volcanic Loam.
