When Hilde and Ian (Duke) Ranson sold their clothing manufacturing business in 1998, they were able to fulfil a long-held dream of establishing a vineyard in the Porongurup subregion of Great Southern with the acquisition of a 65ha farm at the foot of the Porongurup Range. They planted shiraz and cabernet sauvignon and riesling. Hilde, a successful artist, designed the beautiful, scalloped, glasswalled cellar door sales area, with its mountain blue cladding. The appointment of Rob Diletti as winemaker will, if it were possible, increase the quality of the wines.

Duke's Vineyard and winemaker Rob Diletti are a match made in vinous heaven, whether it be riesling, shiraz or cabernet, the special quality stems from purity and (for the reds), silky tannins. Drink to: 2038; Date Tasted: Jan 2020; Alcohol: 13.2%; Rating: 95 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion