Nose
Staggered
harvesting of fruit from a combination of estate sites and trellising systems allows
expression of a spectrum of aromas and flavours from sweet grassiness to punchy
ripe citrus in the finished wine.
Palate
This complexity also provides exceptional structure
and palate weight with considerable ageing potential. Cellaring for five or more
years is rewarded with rich complex nut, straw and toast characters in harmony with
ripe lemon and sweet grassy nuances while still retaining a pleasantly surprising
level of freshness, vibrancy and length.
Growing Conditions
The
2016 growing season at Ashbrook was typified by warm sunny days and cool
nights with no harsh weather events recorded. Three inches of rain two weeks prior
to harvest gave the vines a healthy boost and resulted in no disease pressure at all
due to Ashbrook’s predominantly lyre trellis system. A bumper and lengthy Marri
blossom also meant Silver-
eye bird damage was negligible which was well received
by the vineyard team after a hectic 2015 season juggling netting. All said and done
the white varieties were
harvested at optimum flavour ripeness. Yields were slightly
below average but the quality was impeccable. An inch of rain before the red
harvest was again beneficial for the vines and grapes were picked in perfect
condition. Yields were of average size with the 2016 vintage characterised by
flavours developing at lower sugar levels across all varieties.
Harvest
Hand picked.
Bottling
13th
May
2016.
