Maybe a touch more angular than the superb 2010 release but it still brings the goods. Both vineyards are at the base of the Warramate Hills near Coldstream. The Whitsend fruit (66%) was 100% whole berry fermented without plunging or pump overs while the Oakridge fruit was 100% whole bunch fermented using foot pigeage only. Matured in hogsheads and puncheons (20% new) for 14 months prior to blending.
Lots of white pepper here on both the nose and the palate. It’s a spicy wine with fresh blackberry and mulberry fruit alongside some dark cherry nuances. Very pure, medium-bodied wine. Bright acid carries the flavours before handing the baton to extremely intricate and supple tannin at the last-minute. A fair amount of evolution over two days of tasting as the stalky whole bunch notes integrate. Will perform even better with a bit more time in the bottle. A stint in the cellar won’t hurt it either. 94 Excellent
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $36
Tasted: June 2013