2005 Vintage

VineyardM2 acres of Gamay (a recent French selection) in two blocks Tall VSP trellis, with 3 pairs of foliage wires. Rows oriented NW /SE to prevent sunburn

VintageMWith a year of fairly average rainfall, the dry late spring was relieved by a downpour in late summer. Normal harvest – mid-harvest was second week of April. The yield was 1.5 ton.

Winemaking
The hand-harvested grapes (whole bunches) were filled into a 2,000 litre vat, all air was removed with carbon dioxide, and the gas tight lid fitted. The vat was left to undergo carbonic maceration for two weeks. These bunches were then put through the destemmer and the berries were fermented in the vat with cultured yeast. At the completion of maceration, the vat was drained slowly by gravity and with no air contact. The skins were pressed by pneumatic press and the press wine & free run were kept separate until final blending. The wine was finished in matured French oak for 18 months, in temperature controlled storage.

Tasting Notes
The appearance is garnet/ruby with a ripe morello cherry fragrance. It has medium bodied fruit with soft tannins. The balance is good and results in an approachable wine for casual occasions. Cold meats or good Spanish ham would draw out the flavours of the wine.