- SEASON:
2020 was a particularly challenging vintage across much of Australia, but we were very lucky here in the Yarra Valley.
It was a bit of a rollercoaster - with a cool, wet Spring, a dry December and then a mild February, punctuated by a few significant rain events.. This all led to lower than average yields across our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, primarily driven by tighter, smaller bunches – the consequence of which is naturally high acidity, great flavour and vibrant colours across the board.
VINIFICATION:
Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, using the Champagne cycle with only the free run being used - the pressings going into our Giant Steps Pinot Noir.
Juice was cold settled before being racked to a stainless steel tank for a coolish ferment. Once the ferments were dry they were given a long cold settling and a very coarse filtration before bottling in mid August.
WHY?
Inspired really by what we are seeing out of southern France - those pale, bone dry Rosé’s from Provence, but also, we are intrigued by the perfume of early picked Yarra Valley Pinot. When it is hand-picked and gently pressed, it has to be one of the great varieties for a dry Rosé.
FOOD:
Pour a glass of this while you are cooking... but also:
Fresh radishes dipped in chick pea and Tahini Hummus
BBQ King prawns with smoked paprika aioli
Salad Nicoise with fresh grilled Bluefin tuna
Goats cheese baked on sourdough crusts over a rocket lettuce salad.
Variety: Pinot Noir (100%)
Region: Yarra Valley, VIC
Alcohol: 13%
Vintage: 2020
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"Estate-grown, hand-picked pinot noir, evidently saignee/juice run off shortly after crushing. Ultra pale pink; spices, rose petals and strawberries all contribute to the surprising length of the palate." - 91 Points, James Halliday