Wine Region	Strathbogie Ranges & Heathcote, Victoria
Wine Maker	Don Lewis, Narelle King
The extensive experience and winemaking knowledge of Don Lewis combined with Narelle King’s broad thinking and diverse skill set , bring a partnership strength to Tar & Roses that is as unique as the brand itself.
For the past two years Don and Narelle have been making wine in Priorat, Spain. This has fuelled their intrigue in the classic Spanish varietals, particularly Nebbiolo. This interest was not confined to these varietals and wine styles solely in the traditional European regions, but also these varieties being grown and made in Australia.
Back in Australia they have extended their fascination of these European varietals and have concentrated on these in their own region- Central Victoria. They make Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese in addition to a central Victorian Shiraz, one of Don’s signature varieties.
Tar & Roses encapsulates the complexity and interest of this story. One that shows the relationship between Don and Narelle and the multi-regions of Italy, Spain and Australia. It is a brand that speaks of the tradition of wine merging with the cutting edge of winemaking, bridging the old world with the new. These are all very smart, well made wines of outstanding quality at a very friendly price. Certainly a brand to keep an eye on.
What the critics have to say!
“Tar & Roses is one of the more interesting new arrivals on the Australian winemaking scene, even though the partners Don Lewis & Narelle King, have been making wine together for many years at Mitchelton and- for the past three years- Priorat, Spain. Don came from a grape growing family in Red Cliffs, near Mildura, and in his youth was press-ganged into working in the vineyard. When he left home he swore he would never be involved in another vineyard again, but in 1973 found himself accepting the position of assistant winemaker to Colin Preece at Mitchelton, where he remained until his retirement 32 years later. Narelle having qualified as a chartered accountant, set off to discover the world, and while travelling in South America, met a young Australian winemaker who had just completed vintage in Argentina, and who lived in France. The lifestyle appealed greatly, so on her return to Australia she obtained her winemaking degree from CSU and was offered work at Mitchelton as a bookkeeper and cellarhand. Together they are making wines that are a mosaic of Australia, Italy and Spain in their inspiration.” Winery Rating; 5 star .   James Halliday – The Australian Wine Companion – 2010
2007 Sangiovese- “A partnership between Don Lewis and Narelle King, this is the best of their reds and shows promise for Sangiovese in Heathcote. Bright fresh cherry aromas, liquorice and gentle earthy spices, the palate is medium-weight and built across fine savoury tannins, oak is in check; they’ve balanced it up nicely”. Rating 92 points   Nick Stock – The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide - 2009
2006 Nebbiolo – Rating; 92 Points 2007 Sangiovese - Rating; 92 Points 2007 Tempranillo - Rating; 94 Points 2007 Shiraz - Rating; 93 Points   Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh – The Big Red Wine Book – 2009/2010   Other wines also available include; Tar & Roses Miro email or call us for pricing and availibility 03 98242262  info@winesnob.com.au