Vineyard
Hayview Vineyard, Mount Barker WA, planted 2001, north-south facing rows, a hilltop with a southerly slope, loam over ironstone soils, pesticide and herbicide-free vineyard practices.
 
Winemaking
Machine picked, 7 days on fermentation on skins in open fermenters with hand plunging twice daily, natural cultured yeast, tank pressed, 10 months in seasoned French oak barriques on lees and then matured in stainless steel tank to settle prior to bottling.
 
Tasting Notes
Purple and bright in colour, floral and lifted spice bouquet with hints of oak. Cherries and red fruits collide across the palate with earthy, graphite notes giving added texture and interest. Sweet and savoury at the same time, the wine completes its palate journey with white pepper notes & fruit generosity while the older oak lends a rounded, soft, elegant and juicy long finish. Minimal filtration, vegan fined and minimal sulphur on bottling to keep the wine fresh and lively.
 
Pair with winter braises, slow-cooked and/or smoked meats (American style brisket or short ribs), or northern Italian cuisine.
 
94 POINTS – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
93 POINTS – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94 POINTS – Erin Larkin, James Halliday Wine Companion
91 POINTS – Rob Geddes, MW