In recognition of one hundred and sixty six years after our quaint little cellar door cottage, Rushlea Homestead, was built, we name this Cabernet blend grown next to the cottage The Wayward Girl. These girls were sent away from friends and family during their pregnancies. Local artist and friend Amy Herman painted this year's gorgeous girl.

Earth & Vine

The grapes were grown in a small vineyard on slightly sloping terrain just behind of our winery. This is part of our unique little property, a hidden little valley within Eden Valley. Featuring ancient soils over shallow slate, providing ideal drainage and complexity of flavours.

We have put a lot of work into getting the right soil nutrients through comprehensive soil testing and nutrient additions such as organic compost and straw, so that we can be sure our grapes of the best quality they can possibly be.

From Vine to Wine

The grapes were hand-picked before gentle crushing and destemming and transfer to open top fermenters. The wines were fermented separately on-skins with regular hand-plunging to taste, before being gently basket pressed. The wines were then aged for 17 months in aged French oak prior to blending and bottling on-site with gentle vacuum filling.

The Senses

An intriguing nose of blackcurrent and dark fruits, with herbs and spices precede a medium-body easy drinker, with dark fruits and soft tannin. We're delighted with the balance of elegant tannins and complex flavours.

Behind the Label

William Lillecrapp built the first homestead in Eden Valley in 1856, which has since become our cellar door. While the cottage holds many historical stories in its old stone walls, possibly the most fascinating is the tale of the ‘Wayward city girls’ who were sent to the homestead in the 1920s if they fell pregnant, to avoid bringing 'shame' upon their family. Each new release of The Wayward Girl features new art portraying an anonymous 'Wayward Girl', reflecting their complex and sad stories that are now lost to us.

The Technical Details