Grapes were hand-picked in the early autumnal mornings, placed into small lug baskets and tipped directly into a press before being gently whole-bunch pressed. The juice gravity-flowed directly to barrel without settling. The unclarified juice had no enzymes or yeast added to it and therefore underwent spontaneous fermentation until dry, with malolactic discouraged. The wine rested in barrel for four months before judicious sulphuring and a further seven months’ maturation in barrel before racking, blending and bottling.

A small number of artisanal coopers were selected, all from Burgundy and only French oak was chosen. Importantly, this wine was micro-vinified as a separate batch. In 2022, 100% was new oak; 100% using two 228 litre barrels.

Lemon chiffon in colour, the nose is fragrant and powerful with heady notes of Lucerne, frangipani cream, and a hint of bitter lemon. The palate shows amazing gait, penetration and an athletic dynamism that dances on the palate. Linear, lifted, and elegant, this wine features elements of powdered rocks, quarry dust, soft peach, and lemon wedges that fill the rich yet bone-dry mid-palate, further releasing a mineral quality. Wonderful length, the finish is finessed and closes with lucerne and honeysuckle aromas.

ANALYSIS: Alc 13.39% | RS 2.3 g/l | TA 6.4 g/l| pH 3.33