DRINKING WINDOW: DRINK NOW
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 I have seen since 2010.
When founder Keith Hentschke purchased the property, he was looking for a shallow red brown clay loam soil profile overlaying the limestone to reduce the natural vigour of the vine, allowing vibrancy and intensity to shine in the fruit. The Grenache is selected from a block approximately 300m above sea level (ASL) situated on an easterly facing slope around 500m from Greenock Creek.
Components were destemmed on arrival to the winery prior to fermentation. The winemaking was split across three separate fermentations, the major component (65%) was put through an extended maceration lasting a total of 50 days on skins. The second component (20%) was picked late in the season and cold soaked for 5 days before fermentation and the final component (15%) was picked early in the season and put through a short fermentation with a large portion of whole bunch. All three components were pressed directly to oak and put through natural malolactic fermentation followed by 8 months maturation before blending and bottling in February 2016.
Lively strawberry notes are complemented by hints of graphite and charcuterie that add a lovely savoury edge. Subtle spice unfolds across the palate, enhancing its depth and structure.
Best Grenache of Show, 2017 - MARANANGA WINE SHOW
96 POINTS, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION
As intended, the result is a rich and powerful wine with texture and structure to burn. Closer to traditional style, but without confection. Will be long lived. - James Halliday
