Winemaker
Frieda Henskens
Grape/s
100% Chardonnay
GI
Tasmania
Site
Single vineyard (Stringybark, West Tamar)
Vintage notes
Overall a warmer than average year with even bud-burst. Some spring frosts however, and in the north of the state, squally, wet and windy conditions around flowering and fruit set dramatically reduced yields.
Vineyard notes
Established in 1994, this 2 ha, E-NE facing vineyard is nestled in the West Tamar foothills near the small township of Winkleigh. It has duplex acid soils, sandy loam topsoils over clay formed from Brown Chromosols.
Winemaking
Envisaged as a pure expression of the vineyard, the fermentations are completely spontaneous. The primary ferment was conducted in oak barrels by the yeast living on the grape skins. These indigenous yeasts then perform the second ferment (tirage) in the bottle and malolactic fermentation (MLF) also proceeds naturally within the bottle. Four years on lees (disgorged December 2018), 2 g/L dosage, TA 6.87 g/L, pH 3.41. Vegan-friendly.
Closure: DIAM Sparkling
ABV: 12.1%
Tasting Notes
Straw-green. Vinous, complex, intense nose with notes of orange blossom, acacia, nougat and dried grass. The fine acid line, zest and top notes balance the creamy mouthfeel. Remarkably fresh, even ethereal, on the palate, flavours of bread, baked apple, hay, and nougat give way to a lingering savory finish.
Serve at 8-10°C.
- 93 points Halliday 2020 Wine Companion
Production size: 200 individually numbered bottles.
