80% Pinot Gris and 20% Gewurztraminer from the Celeste vineyard, Whitlands, King Valley, Victoria. The OG vineyard in the Whitlands planted by the legendary Dr Jim Hardie in 1983, this gem of a spot has been managed organically by us since 2016.
This is the third year we have run with this exact blending ratio. A gift the local kangaroos gave us in the drought year when they raided the vineyard and ate nothing but about half of our Gewurztraminer block. Leaving the Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay untouched which forced our hand with the blend ratio. Cheers skip!
The grapes are hand-picked and crushed and destemmed with about 5% whole bunch added to the bottom of each fermentation vessel. Wild yeast ferment on skins for 23 days with twice daily plunges. Outside under the beautiful pine trees, up in the mountains, metres from the vineyard.
Site: Celeste Vineyard, Whitlands, King Valley, Victoria.
Tasting notes
Racy acid underlines an intriguing but super approachable palate of rose hip, creamy soda and toffee apple, partnered with a beautiful bronze hue. A really bloody wonderful wine; idiosyncratic but not in the extreme, tasty, organic, and made with thought and care. Best enjoyed with a caramel sundae or spanish anchovies.
