2020 Roussanne
In 2003 we began the journey with this relatively obscure variety (which is in equally humble volumes as a stand-alone wine in its place of origin, the Rhone Valley (France), where it is known for its savoury flavours, textural palate and rewards in the cellar. We first produced this wine in 2007.
VINTAGE SUMMARY
The 2020 harvest will be remembered for many years, mostly for all the wrong reasons. The growing season was marred by a very hot spring and the bushfires that ravaged vast areas of Australia. We feel feel incredibly blessed that in Mclaren vale we were untouched by either the fires or smoke taint. The very hot spring did lead to lowest yields on our records, but as the grapes started their ripening process the weather miraculously cooled to one of the most mild ripening seasons, resulting in wonderful concentration of flavour, retention of natural acidity and brightness of fruit, but above all beautiful finesse and balanced tannins.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand-picked and carefully basket pressed, with only 60% of the extractable juice used to eliminate any potential broadness. No sulphur was added, and the juice was transferred to French oak puncheons (25% New) and barriques without any settling or fining, where it underwent wild yeast fermentation. The wine was matured for 7 months, stirred monthly with the lees retained. No fining occurred, just filtration.
Tasting Notes
Technical
