Article by:
Punt Road
The earliness of vintage 2016 was largely climatic, but a bit lunar as well. The flowering of the vines occurred during a very warm, dry spell – perfect conditions for an even fruit set. Those conditions endured throughout Christmas and into January. We had just enough rainfall (in two big events) to squeak us through – but it was touch and go there for a while. The early Easter (the first full moon after the vernal equinox being late March) reminds us that nature takes its cues from the moon – and will not be argued with!
'Notes of lime pith and stonefruit. On the palate, nougat, vanilla and ripe peach combine to make an elegant, harmonious wine.'
Tim Shand, Head Winemaker
Tech Notes
Carefully hand-picked and whole bunch pressed; 100% of the juice was barrel fermented, a portion of which was fermented naturally. During 10 months maturation in French oak (20% new), some barrels were regularly stirred to build texture and complexity.
Technical Notes
Vineyard: Napoleone
Soil type: Sandy loam on clay base
Aspect: North East
Harvested: 20th February
Clones : Ilov1 Yeast: Indigenous
Oak: 20% new French hogsheads
Coopers: D+J, Sirugue, Mercurey
Alcohol: 13%
$24 / 750ml