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Viognier is a grape variety most famous for Condrieu wines in the Rhone Valley region of France. It has, however, emerged as a favourite in new world areas in Australia and California. The origins are obscure with the suggestion that it originated in Croatia (known as Dalmatia earlier) and was brought to the Rhone region by the Romans. It is an interesting variety in that it requires warmth to ripen optimally as it ripens slowly but too much heat (without proper canopy management) can result in high sugar levels (and consequent high alcohol) without enough supporting flavour. Our Estate Viognier was planted in the 1990’s and Block 1B-S is 10.90 acres and utilizes 12’ x 7’ spacings utilizing an older type quadrilateral trellis system. California can be tough on crops and Block 1B-S is coming to the end of its time. We are, however, developing a new block on fresh soil on the same property with a higher elevation and more beneficial aspect. The 2020 Viognier was harvested at 24.4 Brix and, as is the case with all our whites, underwent and cool extended ferment. Typically California Viognier is rich but soft, almost projecting an oily texture. Our reductive handling and colder approach maintains many subtle characters that warmer ferments disperse during the process. Hints of green melon, freshly ground coconut and green apple accompany the more typical ripe apricot characters. Due to its susceptibility to oxygen, our approach results in a wine that retains freshness while still showing complexity and length of flavour. This is a wine for all seasons. Download Tasting Notes -
Fruit was handpicked and delivered to the winery where it was crushed and inoculated that same day with Clos yeast. Pump overs were done twice a day throughout the ferment. Alcoholic fermentation finished and the tank was pressed off skins. Malolactic fermentation began and the wine was transferred to 50% French oak barrels and 50% Hybrid oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation continued until January 2021. The wine stayed in barrel until June 2021 and then filtration was performed and the wine was bottled. The decision was made to bottle the wine early after sensory evaluation. The wine had come together so well and retained all of the primary fruit characters associated with the variety that further aging was deemed not necessary. Download Tasting Notes -
The Rosé, as a wine, has certainly gained prominence in recent years with consumers. The darker, sweeter versions have given way, though, to much tighter and drier styles that reflect real elegance and style. We chose Grenache to be the basis of our Rosé in 2020. Our Estate Grenache Rosé was sourced from Block 1B-N (12.53 acres) and Block 4A (3.38 acres). Harvested earlier than the fruit destinated for our Limited Release Grenache, it was crushed and left on skins for 24 hours before the required volume was drained and settled for ferment. At this point the juice is basically treated as a white and fermented quite cold at 57°F. for 31 days. Yeast selection is critical and we utilise a specific strain that focuses on fruit retention and aroma enhancement. Note the pale colour that maintains some of the pigments (anthocyanins) from original skin contact. Certainly a wine for all seasons, enjoy this chilled on its own or accompanied by dishes that suit similarly dry white wines. Download Tasting Notes -
This is a Mistella style (fortified grape juice) made from Black Muscat grapes. The juice itself has not been fermented so it is very sweet. It is 16.5% alcohol (due to addition of fortifying spirit) which balances the sweetness nicely. The style is technically called a “Mistella” but is classified by the TTB as an “Angelica.” It has a pale apricot color and would suit anything from fresh fruit and berries to dishes with a syrup or sugar glaze. This is a chance to be daring! Download Tasting Notes -
Our Ragpicker’s Dream is made from four traditional Portuguese varietals: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Sousao & Tinta Roriz. It is a vintage-style Port, but as it is not made in Portugal we are not allowed to call it Port, hence the “Dessert Wine” Classification on the back label. Reminiscent of port wines from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, this wine is made from traditional Portuguese varieties. This port is sure to compliment a multitude of desserts; but is divine enough to be enjoyed on its own. Download Tasting Notes
Featured Products
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2020 Limited Release Tannat
$35.00
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2019 Limited Release Tempranillo
$35.00
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2020 Limited Release Fiano
$30.00
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2019 Limited Release Malbec
$35.00