A wet November with twice the average rainfall gave way to a warmer December and January with hot days but cool nights giving some reprieve to the vines. February experienced some significant rainfall events that freshened up the canopies for later ripening varieties and allowed for some leaf removal without the risk of sunburn. The mild conditions to finish off the season resulted in fresh natural acidity and fruit with a wonderful depth of flavour.

The wine has an intense nose of lifted candied rose petal, fresh red berries of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry with hints of rose water and blood orange. There is a delicate granite minerality; slightly saline.

On the palate, ripe juicy red berries of raspberry, wild strawberry and red currants are accentuated by hints of turkish delight and rose water. It is delicately mineral with red apple acidity giving a fine line and length allowing brightness and lift yet with a textural mid-palate.

A pretty delicate pale salmon pink colour.

The brightness of this wine would be enhanced by a watermelon, mint and feta salad or counter balanced well by sushi of butterfish with pickled ginger and wasabi. Alternatively, a simple manchego cheese plate would compliment the vibrant fruit.

The fruit was sourced from our Crossroads (74%), Chapman Brook (23%) and Wallcliffe (3%) Vineyards, where cool night time temperatures preserve natural acidity and aromatics. Vibrancy, varietal expression and site specific characteristics are created through careful canopy manipulation. The vineyard team is tasked with delivering whole berries to the winery in optimal condition. To achieve this, fruit was harvested in the cool of the night to capture purity and elegance.