Vintage Condtion

The growing season began with a cool and relatively dry spring. Summer turned on at the right time with warm even temperatures, setting the scene for gentle and consistent ripening across all varieties. It was another great vintage, with the seasons all playing their part. Our biggest challenge for 2023 was pressure from birds due to a lack of Marri blossom and the drawn out nature of the vintage. Rains in April danced with cabernet sauvignon picking dates. Fortunately, early leaf plucking and the strong skins of cabernet sauvignon meant we were rewarded with fruit of exceptional intensity and fine tannin. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also standout varieties for 2023.

Winemaking Note

We cut the canes of the vines once the desired levels of natural acidity are reached in the berries, limiting nutrients and water to the berries and concentrating the sugars. The bunches are left to hang on the vines for 3 to 4 weeks, which sees the berries dry and shrivel whilst reaching the desired sugars and flavours, after which we hand pick the sauvignon blanc and semillon. The berries are cold pressed; the juice settled and fermented in 100% new French oak barrels. Once the ferment is complete the wine is barrel aged for 1 to 2 months before an early bottling in July of the same year to retain freshness.

Tasting Notes

The rich aromas of this wine show hints of jasmine, citrus blossom and honey-toast. The palate enters with a concentrated sweetness developing into a broad, toasty finish dappled with hints of shaved almond and toasted spices. The syrupy texture is elegantly balanced out with a succulent acidity and spring-blossom finish.