The Sunday Telegraph – 22nd November 2009 – John Fordham

ONE of the most famous names in Australian wine is being revive following the takeover of century-old Haselgrove by a group of passionate investors backing the brand’s future.

After years of meagre trading, Haselgrove was placed in the hands of BankWest, its future up in the air.  Then, early last year, along came four wine-loving men with significant interests in the wine industry and, importantly, the financial resources to bring the label back to life.

Although Haselgrove built its reputation in the McLaren Vale region (notably with shiraz and cabernet sauvignon), the new-look company has broadened its viticultural vision to capture the appeal of Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra fruit.

Winemaker Greg Clack, associated with the Haselgrove label before and during its period of hardship, is the man behind the new four-tier line-up of wines.

And having four owners with a strong Italian heritage explains the monikers behind the three new labels:  Primo Taglio (first cut), Bella Vigna (beautiful vineyard) and Il Padrone (the boss).

Entry point wines drawn from McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills fruit – 2008 (unwooded) Chardonnay, 2009 Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Shiraz and 2008 Cabernet Merlot (all $10) – carry the H by Haselgrove label.

Next step up is Primo Taglio, comprising 2008 Sauvignong Blanc-Semillon, 2008 Chardonnay, 2008 Shiraz and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (all $15).  The reds are from McLaren Vale, the whites from the Adelaide Hills.

Bella Vigna releases – 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) – hail from the Adelaide Hills and Coonawarra, respectively.

Finally, there’s Il Padrone, a powerful, deeply flavoured 2007 McLaren Vale pulling $50 a bottle.