2023 Roussanne

95 POINTS - Campbell Mattinson,The Wine Front, Sep 2024

95 POINTS - Marcus Ellis,Halliday Wine Companion, Oct 2024

VINTAGE SUMMARY

The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecast cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.

WINEMAKING

Sourced from two blocks within our estate. Hand-picked on the 26th and 29th of March and basket pressed, retaining earlier free run for this blend. No sulphur or acid was added to the juice. The passive oxidation as juice helps to naturally fine out the unstable phenolic compounds associated with this variety and accentuates its trademark texture. The un-fined and unsettled juice was transferred to mostly older French oak puncheons for wild yeast fermentation. No MLF. Matured for 8 months and stirred monthly with lees retained before racking and blending prior to bottling. Bottled February 2024.