A favourable growing season, with good winter rains, a mild flowering and fruit set period and continued spring rainfall. Vines showed good balance of shoot vigour and moderate berry size. The ripening period that began late January was very cool, with some welcome rainfall in mid-February. The cold nights and mild sunny days in March slowed sugar accumulation, resulting in excellent fruit ripeness and intensity.
WINEMAKING
Sourced from six blocks within the estate. Approximately 50% on sand, 50% on ironstone. Destemmed and selectively sorted. 50% whole berries. Wild yeast ferment. Open fermenters and on skins for up to 20 days. A gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning when reductive. No pressings are used in this wine. Ѐlevage on lees in 25% new, remainder 1 to 3 year French oak puncheons for 12 months.