Perched atop the Greenstone Range near Colbinabbin in Victoria’s Heathcote region, Whistling Eagle Vineyard stands as a beacon of viticultural excellence. The vineyard’s foundation lies in the site’s ancient Cambrian soils – a narrow strip extending over 35 kilometers north of Heathcote. These deep, red soils, rich in minerals, are renowned for their excellent water retention, allowing vines to thrive with minimal irrigation. “It is the very special relationship between the soil and climate which gives Whistling Eagle its unique qualities and the perfect reflection of the terroir,” Rathjen says.
Spanning 50 hectares, Whistling Eagle boasts a diverse array of grape varieties, including shiraz, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, nebbiolo, malbec, cabernet franc, touriga, mataro, petit verdot, viognier, arinto, grenache blanc, and semillon. The original 1995 plantings were sourced from local cuttings, while newer blocks, such as the 2016 ‘Three Little Eagles’, were established on various rootstocks to enhance yield diversity and water tolerance. Approximately 85% of the vineyard is grafted, with some blocks grafted onto existing vines to adapt to changing varietal demands.
Pruning techniques are tailored to each variety, with shiraz primarily spur-pruned, respecting the vines’ vascular flow to bolster resistance against wood diseases. Unilateral and bilateral cane pruning are also employed across the vineyard to achieve desired yields and vine structures.“Water usage is kept to a minimum,” Rathjen says. “Rootstock that is tolerant of low water levels is used to provide the desired growth and level of vigour during early season.”
Committed to environmental stewardship, Whistling Eagle is a member of the AWRI Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, aiming for certification before the ’25–26 vintage. The vineyard employs non-synthetic pest and disease management strategies, encouraging beneficial predatory insects to naturally control pests. Biodiversity areas have been established, with over 100 flowering native trees and bushes planted in during the winter of 2024 to support local fauna, particularly bee populations. Mid-row plantings of diverse sward, including native wallaby grasses and perennial rye, are maintained to enhance insect populations and consequently soil health.
“We try to keep it simple,” Rathjen says of the team’s approach. “Minimise tractor use, mulch all available grass, and let the beneficial bugs do their thing.” This philosophy has led to a vibrant ecosystem within the vineyard. “We see an abundance of life. Our windscreens on the gators [tractors] aren’t used for rain protection but as a shield from insects – spiders, bees, et cetera.”
It’s not just the bugs that love what Rathjen does in the vineyard. The unique terroir of Whistling Eagle is vividly expressed in its wines, with impressive results. The flagship Eagles Blood Shiraz exemplifies this, showcasing spectacular colour, depth of flavour, and balance. “The slightly elevated temperatures and gentle easterly aspect with north/south row alignment of the vineyard protect from the hot afternoon sun,” Rathjen says. This orientation contributes to the shiraz’s distinctive profile, marked by a balance achieved when man and nature work in harmony. The vineyard’s other offerings are just as impressive – the grenache blanc offers quince, pear, and citrus aromatics with a structured palate and lingering finish, while the Bomber red blend combines shiraz, cabernet, sangiovese, grenache, and malbec to create a supple, generous wine with hints of pepper and spice. The winery’s approach is one of minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine through.
Climate change presents ongoing challenges, with harvest dates occurring earlier than they did 30 years ago. To combat this, Rathjen has planted drought-resistant rootstocks and grape varieties suited to hot, dry conditions. “We have plantings of shiraz and other varieties on drought-resistant rootstock,” Rathjen says. “Managing the finite amount of water is something of consideration.” New plantings are oriented to mitigate the impact of the midday sun, and canopy-management techniques encourage mushroom-shaped growth to shade ripening grape clusters.
As a fourth-generation farmer, Ian continues a legacy of cultivation in the Colbinabbin district, with his son Scott joining as vineyard manager. The family supports the local community by distributing their wines to local restaurants and bars and donating to various charitable causes, including local sporting clubs and childcare facilities.
It’s a low-key approach to giving back that suits Rathjen, who took some cajoling to share his wines with the wider world. He recalls showing an out-of-towner looking to invest in the region’s vineyards a sample of his 2000 vintage – at this stage a three-barrel hobby project without a name. “I was asked if I’d sell the wine to them,” Rathjen says. “Answer was a polite ‘No.’ When asked what I was doing with it, I replied, ‘Just drinking it and giving it away.’ His reply was, ‘You’re a fool, it’s too good to give away.’ After a short discussion about the eagle carving by the front gate, I was asked if there were eagles around. I said, ‘A few whistle past … That’d be a great name, Whistling Eagle.’ In the next breath, I said ‘Eagles Blood Shiraz’.” Rathjen smiles. “That was the start of our wine journey.”
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