Autumn Release 2012
2012Autumn TastingsAutumn A very dry September was followed by a relatively wet, warm October and then the wettest November – December period in the last seven years. The December total of 102mm came from only three rain events! The start of September was extremely cold with frost predictions for most nights; however no visual damage was sustained. Bud burst started in early September in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was very even. Shoot growth, as predicted, was very vigorous due to the warm soils and the rain occurrence and early indications from the size and the amount of inflorescences per shoot indicated a moderate crop would be achieved. The high rainfall produced sizeable canopies necessitating a lot of hard work from the vineyard team. At this stage all the crops are relatively even with perhaps the inclination to a smaller Chardonnay harvest but a very good Viognier one!
- Lovat Gewurztraminer 2011
The appearance is glossy with a light golden hue. It has fragrant and lifted aromas of musky spice, rose talc, lychee, and sweet mandarin. The palate is rich, concentrated and sumptuous, testament to the natural low crop of this variety. The palate has a flavour spectrum of sweet mandarin, ripe mango and bush honey, laced with aromatic and exotic Christmas cake spices. This wine has a long, lingering succulent finish. These wines can hold for many years in top vintages, but our usual recommendation is to drink them relatively vibrant and young – from 2- 5 years.
- Pinot gris 2011
This wine has a characteristic straw colour with an upfront nose of honeysuckle and poached pear, followed by tropical melon and the fragrant and floral spice of potpourri. On tasting, first impressions are of an obvious concentration and lushness which can be attributed to the very small berry clone of Pinot Gris that we grow - yellow peach, rock melon, hints of old fashioned custard with undertones of fenugreek spice. This wine has a long, lingering, crisp and clean finish and although it has a slightly higher level of residual sugar than previous vintages, doesn’t leave the palate cloying in any way. One of life’s greatest rewards of good Pinot Gris is found in its development and with the balanced nature that this wine is showing I perceive this wine will unfold over many years of cellaring.
- Late Harvest Riesling 2011
An intense lemon/green colour leads into bright and fragrant aromas of rose petals, tropical melons, lime zest, and delicate floral talc. The palate is rich, lush and fresh; full of ripe tropical fruit medley flavours, hints of clover honey laced with freshly squeezed lime juice, with a creamy lemon brulee texture. Although this wine has a residual sugar of 60g/L the racy acidity that dances across the palate gives rise to an overall impression of succulence rather than sweetness. This particular style of Riesling, likened more to a German Auslese, is a perfect wine to have as an aperitif with soft white cheeses.
- Pinot noir 2010
The colour is a deep, rich, ruby shade with an almost purple edge. The nose is both pretty and varietal, with flowers, black cherries, spicy potpourri and subtle undertones of briarwood and new leather. Fine tannins spread across the palate giving a supple and silken texture to the wine, tasting of black cherries, black forest berries, freshly grated cacao chocolate, and sweet tobacco, all underpinned by a common thread we find in our Pinots –the Christmas cake spices. The palate is perhaps looking slightly restrained at this stage revealing its apparent but seamless structure and is what I would expect to see in our Pinot Noir in its youth. It would therefore benefit greatly by decanting before it is served, certainly for the next 12 months or so.
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