Delicately textured off-white label, delicately textured white wine. Amazing fruit from seven-year old vines situated in the Seville Area of the Yarra Valley. As always, no malolactic fermentation allowed and matured in French oak puncheons, 30% of them new.
This glides through the mouth with a sense of ease and grace. Pristine lemon and grapefruit with a hint of white peach on the periphery. Trademark struck match aromas. Tight but with lovely presence in the mouth. It builds through the line, culminating in ginger spice and a lingering mineral citrus note. The mid-palate is softer than that of the Drive Block and inhabited by vanilla sponge and honeydew melon. Acidity is more deep-set. Exhaustive length. I have the Drive Block ahead by a whisker but both of these 864s are a joy to drink now and will age beautifully. 96 Exceptional
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $77
Tasted: September 2012