DRINKING WINDOW: 5 years+
VINTAGE
Leading up to the 2016 vintage, a dry winter and early spring was relieved by 60mm of rain in the first week of November. Consistently warm conditions through late spring and early summer provided ideal ripening conditions with no disease pressure, also bringing expected harvest dates forward. Warmth through December and most of January was followed by a 60mm rain event in the last week of January. This, along with a long spell of mild temperatures provided the vines with some relief. The result was a slowing of sugar ripening and thus providing increased flavour development. Harvest dates mostly returned to normality and the balance of seed and flavour ripeness was the best seen since 2010.
SEPPELTSFIELD VINEYARD
BLOCK: H Block
VINEYARD: Deep red clay loam | Western bank of Greenock Creek Old clone | Low topograpical position | Slight Easterly aspect | East-West Oriented rows.
UPSHOT: Intense fruit profile | Herbaceous notes
WINEMAKING
The fruit was destemmed prior to fermentation, during which 2-3 pump overs a day were used to ensure the wine achieved a full tannin structure. It was then pressed out to a combination of new (35%) and seasoned French barrels where it underwent natural
malolactic fermentation facilitated. The wine was then racked off lees and returned to oak to mature for a total of 20 months. No fining or filtration were used in the production of this wine.
PROFILE: Notes of choc mint and biscuit complemented by blueberry, ripe plum and gentle hints of leather and earth on the nose. The palate shows depth and harmony, with dark fruit and savoury nuances carried by a smooth, integrated structure.
96 POINTS, THE REAL REVIEW
"Deep, dark, dense red/purple colour, bright and youthful. The bouquet is oak-dominant, pepperminty, powerful and strong, very much tracking the palate. It's very full-bodied, firm and strongly enriched with tannin, the finish very long and satisfying. A concentrated, impressive and generously-flavoured wine, which is thoroughly enjoyable now and totally satisfies." - Huon Hooke
