Winemakers
Frieda Henskens, Kilian Henskens Rankin
Grape/s
Pinot Noir dominant
Sites
Kinvarra Estate (Plenty, Upper Derwent Valley), Dalness Estate (Evandale).
Vineyard notes: Kinvarra Estate was established in 1827 as a sheep farm. Cattle were later added to the property. The original 1 ha “home block” vineyard being planted in 1990 by the Bevan family. Dedicated sparkling wine blocks were added in 2009. The cattle are still there, and the vineyard considerably expanded under the ownership of the Sillifant family. The elevation of 50m above sea-level contrasts with 244-295m elevation of restorative viticulture vineyard Dalness Estate in the Northern Midlands of the state on the South Esk River. Vineyard planting began in 2019, concluding in 2023.
Winemaking
Hand harvested fruit, whole bunch pressed. Spontaneous primary fermentations were conducted in oak barriques with inoculated ferments conducted in stainless steel tans.
The second ferment (tirage) in the bottle was achieved using reserved juice and a commercial priss de mousse. Malolactic fermentation (MLF) occurred spontaneously in barrel but was blocked using low temperatures in tank. Almost two years on lees (disgorged August--September 2025), 6.75 g/L dosage, TA 8.0 g/L, pH 3.13. Vegan-friendly.
Tasting Note
Crisp and precise, notes of fresh, ripe berry fruits, crunchy red apple, hints of rose petal and newly mown hay give way to a long, dry, mineral almost saline finish with loads of finesse.
ABV: 12.0% v/v
Production size: 2,400 bottles initially, rising to 12,000+ in 2025/6
