Tillie. J Wines
Image credit: Ash Ludkin
A showcase of innovation and refinement from one of Australia's new winemaking stars!
Natillie Johnston, or Tillie J, as she's more famously known, is a four-consecutive-year recipient of the prestigious Top 50 Young Gun of Wine Awards. And just to drive home her excellence, she is also the winner of the People's Choice Award 2023. She now heads what is fast becoming one of the most recognisable labels coming out of the Yarra Valley.
Tillie's journey in the wine industry began with her working at cellar doors to make money whilst completing a Sports Science degree at the University of Melbourne (she was a jack-of-all-trades sportsperson, trying out everything from athletics to equestrian). With the degree completed, the path of winemaking beckoned, and in 2012 she complete her first harvest at the lab at Coldstream Hills Wines, established by James Halliday in 1985. From there, she was hooked.
Image credit: Ash Ludkin
Tillie returned to Melbourne University to complete a postgraduate degree in viticulture and winemaking, then headed off on a winemaking odyssey across Australia and the world. She has since worked in some of the most esteemed wineries in the world, such as Yarra Yering, Leeuwin Estate, Brokenwood, Crisom and Ponzi, Keller, Cedar Creek, Yealands and Framingham Wines.
In 2019, Tillie's dream of returning to her roots in the Yarra Valley was realised when she was accepted into No.7 Healesville's inaugural Young Winemakers program. There, Tillie. J Wines was born, starting with a bang with the 2019 Pinot Noir, which received a rating of 95 points in the 2020 Wine Companion.
From this auspicious start, Tillie has continued to make wines with a specific goal in mind: to authentically reflect the region's terroir and to make sure they are enjoyable when opened young or after some maturation.
Image credit: Ash Ludkin
Tillie remains forever grateful to the support and encouragement she received in starting out, a booster to her already considerable talent. She is part of the new(ish!) surge of women in winemaking sweeping the industry, and hopes to see more mentoring and support within winemaking circles for other young women following in her and others' footsteps.
At the moment, Tillie produces Chardonnay, Aligote, Rose, Pinot Noir and Grenache. The theme of her range is 'Burgundy and Friends', so she's got her eyes on making a Gamay. (Tillie. J and Gamay enthusiasts may want to watch her space come 2026...)
Wine Republic is very pleased to stock the Tillie. J range. Duck into our Northcote or Fitzroy stores to grab a bottle (or 5) to give these wonderful wines, now becoming more and more recognisable on fine dining lists, a try at home!
Or order a case through our online store to enjoy! (Links below for your convenience).
Tillie. J Chardonnay
A lovely expression of Yarra Valley Chardonnay. Very reminiscent of the wines of the Macon region of Burgundy. As with all great Chardonnay, restraint and balance is shown, producing a wine worthy of great dinner table conversation.
A bouquet of lemon, hay and summery stone fruit upon opening. Bright lashings of fine acidity on the palate, with a solid saline core from start to finish. Everything is wrapped in notes of ginger, lemon, fresh fruit and just a hint of vanilla oakiness.
Tillie. J Aligote
A hugely overlooked grape in Australia, despite the fact that it happily grows alongside some of the world's best Chardonnay.
This Aligote is an intriguing fusion of flavours: under-ripe peach and green apple are complemented by pastry and cashew notes. It finishes with a winning balance of oaky richness and mouth-watering acidity. If you've not tried Aligoté, here's a solid place to start.
Tillie. J Anna's Rose
A zippy, Shiraz-base Rose perfect for a warm summer's afternoon. The aromatics are bright and energetic, full of ripe strawberries and a touch of rosewater, softened ever so slightly by some creaminess.
The palate is all tart, bright raspberry flavours, followed by a beautifully refreshing pink grapefruit finish. Dangerously quaffable!
Tillie. J Pinot Noir
The piece de resistance in the line-up of wines; an incredible expression of what Yarra Valley Pinot Noir should be. Supple, light & luscious, bursting with bright, fresh fruit.
The aromatics hold vibrant notes of plum and raspberry, balanced by a distinct black pepper hint. On the palate are plush flavours of juicy strawberry, black tea and subtle spice. Elegant and delicious.
Tillie. J Grenache
Big, bright, red fruits dominate the aromatics of this Grenache, laced with elegant rose petal and raspberry notes. Similarly, red fruits are the star of the medium-bodied palate, shaped by bright acidity and fine tannins, and balanced by very subtle spice.
Aromatic, pretty, extremely smash-able Grenache. A Beaujolais at heart. Enjoy lightly chilled or as is.