Cockfighter's Ghost

Behind every wine is a story, and this one starts in 175 years ago when Govenor Macquerie detailed a group of explorers to establish a route to Hunter Valley. One wild, windy night as the travelers were crossing Wollombi Brook, misfortune struck Cockfighter, the lead horse, who became stuck in river quicksand. He drowned despite all efforts to rescue him. The fateful night gave birth to the legend of Cockfighter’s Ghost, and it is said that a windy night just like back then, one can still hear the cries of the horse across the landscape. Today, the area is the vineyard that is named after the phantom steed. Cockfghter’s Ghost is committed to producing single varietal wines. The original 20-acre vineyard is planted to Chardonnay and Semillon, and a small block of old-vine Shiraz dates back over fifty years ago. Vineyard owner David Clarke takes special care in producing these world-class wines. Each wine is produced from prime quality grapes grown in the well-drained sandy loam soils of the estate and a few select sites. Each wine is then vinified under the direction of a specialist for the variety. The Lower Hunter Valley is one of the most important wine regions in Australia. Located at the heart of New South Wales, it is one of the warmest and most humid climates in Australia. However, the often cloudy skies and the effects of the maritime winds work together to result in a region that has produced fantastic wines. The principal grape varieties planted in the Valley are Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

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