Vineyard

In 2000, 6 small rows of Savagnin, thought to be Albarino at the time, were planted by Neil Roberts at his Rising Vineyard, near St Andrew’s in the Yarra Valley.

The site sits at an elevation of 200m and comprises ironstone rich, ancient sedimentary duplex clays that see relatively low rainfall of 600mm per annum.

Vintage

The 2019 growing season had its challenges, but in the end it felt like luck was on our side.

A cool cycle in late January / early February, coupled with good crop levels and leaf area saved us, as ripening stalled and classic Yarra characters were enhanced.

The vine age and their adaptability to changing seasons, have really come into play this vintage.

Winemaking

Picked early in the morning and at only 11.5 % potential alcohol to avoid excessive weight and retain freshness and great acidity.

The fruit was destemmed and spent a night on skins before being pressed directly to an old puncheon on full solids. Natural ferment took over and progressed at warm temps up to 24 deg C.

At the end of ferment we bunged it up and let it slowly go through full malo and interact with oxygen.

Left alone to ullage and develop a light flor as it aged with no sulphur in barrel for 22 months.

No additions apart from a tiny amount of sulphur pre bottling.

One rack before bottling with no fining or filtration.

Just over a year in bottle before release.