Growing Conditions
A wet winter set the soils up nicely to nourish the developing vines, but continued rains and a cooler spring season led to yields being lower than is typical. A cool start to summer, continuing into and throughout the growing season meant very slow and gradual ripening, allowing for better acid retention, preservation of aromatics and overall finer tannin and texture. The whites were harvested 3 to 4 weeks later than normal, with amazing fruit purity and floral notes. Despite mid-season rains, the reds were still able to hang well into April, with a relatively dry finish resulting in ripe but very fine tannin. Low yields mean that the 2019 vintage in Margaret River is one to be treasured, characterised by aromatic, fine wines of exceptional length.
Winemaking
Our Sauvignon Blanc fruit was harvested in the early hours of the morning and immediately cold crushed to press, where the juice was separated from the skin. The juice was cold settled for 2-3 days before being racked and fermented in stainless steel and (20%) in new French oak barrels. The oaked portion was combined with the portion in stainless steel after fermentation, where the wine was matured on the fine lees with bâttonage occurring fortnightly for 5 months.
Aging
Museum release available from the winery.
