The Beauty block is grown at the lowest point of the Hentley Farm vineyard, directly on the banks of Greenock Creek. The western aspect results in a shaded morning; the low topographical position is where cool air settles; and the large gum trees surrounding the block create significant barriers to air movement, so cool air remains present well into the morning. This results in early morning air temperatures 2-3 degrees cooler than the higher shiraz blocks, and a 2-3 week later harvest.
3% Viognier was added to the Shiraz at the receival hopper before fruit was destemmed and moved to closed top vessel. Fermentation lasted 7 days with an early temperature spike followed by a cool and slow fermentation. A light pump-over regime resulted in minimal tannin extraction throughout and this light tannin structure was further enhanced with basket pressing at 1° baume and 1/3 of juice kept ‘off-skins’ in barriques. After 24 months oak maturation the wine was put through secondary fermentation in bottle in February 2015. Following this the wine spent 9 months on yeast lees before being disgorged in November 2015.
Struck match and flinty notes open the nose, layered with savoury hints of olive and warm brioche. The palate is chalky and spice-laced, with a continuous thread of flavour that carries from start to finish. Textural and precise, this wine balances complexity and finesse with effortless confidence.
