2023 Stoney Rise Savagnin Tamar Valley

A wonderful Aussie expression of the Jura native Savagnin, but in a modern, clean style. Playing on lifted acidity, texture and Savagnin’s saline and mineral edge, Joe’s rendition is expressive and precise. Nashi pear, and kiwi fruit aromas, with a salty and saline mouthfeel. There’s structure and excitement about it.

“You don’t make wine in the Jura Joe, don’t try to copy them” (Joe Holyman, March 2023)

Vintage number three for us with this variety. Every year I am more intrigued about the variety and the options that it offers. As we have always done the fruit is trodden in bins on arrival and left for 3 days to soak on skins. It’s then pressed to mainly old oak, with a small percentage fermented in tank this year including a 20% addition of whole bunches. Stirred twice a day like our Chardonnay, and left to its own devices until it is bottled in August. No malo.

I think of the three vintages of Savagnin we have made, this is the best yet! It’s got all the right components. It’s briny, but still floral on the nose. The palate is quite saline, but the texture builds and engulfs the mouth. It finishes with our trade mark acidity, and a hint of oxidative handling, but it’s long and refreshing. – Lou & Joe Holyman