A normal wet winter was followed by a picturesque dry spring. The long range weather patterns indicated a shift from La Niña towards El Niño, which favours drier and hotter conditions. In these warmer seasons, we adjust our practices to encourage slightly higher yields and more canopy cover. However, the unexpected summer rainfall in December and January presented a unique challenge, resulting in larger bunches and berry development.
All estate fruit, destemmed and fermented in steel; 11 months in older French puncheons and foudre. This is made to be approachable, a wine ready to go. And it is, and delightfully so. Medium weighted, with subtly blue-tinged florals and seasoned with warm spices: tart boysenberry, dark cherry, red plum, blueberry. It’s an effortless little number, all serene glide on the palate, though with house signature tannic detail, if dialled down for the intended purpose. Lovely. - 93 points, Marcus Ellis