Rose Creek Shiraz 2006
(GXY) Tasting: Mar 2008, spicy plum, blackcurrant and raspberry, smooth palate with black pepper and cinnamon and a touch of menthol, medium-full bodied with coffee-chocolate oak, tangy with powdery savoury tannins, great mouthfeel (****)

Rose Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2005
(GXY) Tasting: May 2006, leafy and fragrant dark fruit nose with heaps of mint, sweet earthy palate with savoury notes and firm chocolate-almond oak features, lingering finish, despite its green, fresh feel it isn’t sappy or sour, a delicious blend (****)

GenXYWines

The Sicilianos’ backyard is an astonishing example of the great breadth and quantity of produce that can be generated on a relatively small acreage in Suburban Melbourne. Figs, chestnuts, kale, blood oranges, cumquats, walnuts, pomegranates, apples, celery, garlic, potatoes, carrots, artichokes and corn are just some of the fruits of their labour.

Lina was just 17 when she and Tony immigrated to Victoria as newlyweds from Varapodio, Calabria. Both hailing from farming families, it was only natural that the pair should start to grow their own food and impart their discerning love of good fresh food to their children. However, don’t let their heritage intimidate you, the first tree the couple planted actually died!

“We didn’t really know what we were doing then,” Lina confides with a twinkle in her eye. They certainly got the hang of it though and look forward to sharing their knowledge with visitors to the property.

Lina and Tony’s children were blessed with organic home grown food from a young age, something that was important to the couple. They wanted their children to understand the seasons and to learn about how to grow wholesome and delicious food.

“Even when they were little, our kids could tell the difference between vegetables we grew at home and things we bought, even if I’d bought it direct from another grower,” Lina says proudly.

Costa’s World