Ten Minutes by Tractor dates back to 2000 when the owners made their first wine with the widely respected Mornington Peninsula winemaker Richard McIntyre. It has been since 2004 however, under the direction of Martin Spedding that Ten Minutes has become a cult name, and well respected among our clients and critics alike.
The name “Ten Minutes by Tractor” came about because the original three “home” vineyards (McCutcheon, Wallis and Judd) were ten minutes by tractor away from each other! These vineyards are all situated within the Main Ridge sub region, one of the coolest and highest parts of the Mornington Peninsula. The estate is now made up of five vineyards in total as Martin recently bought an extra two vineyards that are further to the north. Martin was delighted when these vineyards came up for sale and now uses the fruit solely for his beloved 10X range. These wines are elegant but also Australian in style with ripe fruit and beautifully balanced with well integrated oak.
Location
Mornington Peninsula
Australia
Key facts
Size: 34.4 ha
Climate: cool-climate
Capacity: 6,000 - 8,000 Bottles per Vintage
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Despite the close proximity of the three original vineyards and the same vinification methods, the single vineyard wines are distinctly different from one another. This is a result of their different elevations, orientations and soils. These wines can challenge Burgundy in quality and elegance and range from fine and elegant to richer and more opulent. They are all a true expression of the unique ‘terroir’. Indeed Martin truly believes that “provenance is the essential element of our wine." Ten Minutes by Tractor produce these much sought after single vineyard wines only in outstanding years.
Finally, the Estate wines bridge the gap between the entry-level 10X wines and the premium single vineyard wines. Ten Minutes by Tractor is truly a pioneer in fine wine making and a beacon to those striving for quality.
Awards
***** Five Red Stars, James Halliday 2013 Wine Companion
Quotes:
10x Pinot Noir 2011 – “With raucous black and red fruit notes on the nose of this boisterous Pinot, this is one of the more modern and edgy wines of the day. Inevitably appealing to classicists and newcomers alike, TMBT has the unnerving knack of nailing every wine they make and encouraging more and more people to experience the unbridled joys of serious Pinot Noir. ..” Matthew Jukes