Joshua's Fault Wines

Joshua's Fault was established by Chris and Sophie Joshua 10 years ago, but flew under the radar for a decade, largely - but not entirely - because its main focus was growing high quality grapes for local and Hunter Valley wineries. The name is not like Lake's Folly, a whimsical, self-deprecating word play. It derives from two major geological faultlines that run north- south either side of the vineyard. They were created 40 million years ago, and provide ideal viticultural soil. Chris completed a Diploma of Viticulture at CSU, and purchased the property in 1994, initially planting cabernet and chardonnay with numerous clones. Later plantings of shiraz and merlot took the total to 4.5ha, and each year they retain sufficient grapes to make 500 dozen bottles. -JAMES HALLIDAY