NV Airlie Bank Cuvée Sparkling

Airlie Bank

Australia / Yarra Valley / Airlie Bank

Winemaking
This is a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir fruit sourced entirely from the Napoleone Vineyard in the Yarra Valley. Each bottling represents a blend, being one part from the grandfather base tank (the oldest element being 2010) along with one part from the current vintage. The wine sees full MLF, as well as small injections of new oak and brandy spirit.

Appearance
Pale gold in appearance with a fine persistent bead.

Bouquet
Aromas of citrus fruits and subtle apricot, complemented by a doughy, bready complexity.

Palate
Fresh and vibrant with a focused palate structure of apple blossom and citrus characters with complex brioche notes.

May, 2017

Tyson Stelzer

Australian Sparkling Report 2017

89 points

90% Chardonnay; 10% Pinot Noir; 2% use of Oak; 90% 2016 10% 2015; Dosage 11g/L
Yarra Valley chardonnay (90%) provides zest and lemon freshness while pinot noir supports with red apple and strawberry fruit, backed by subtle toasty, honeyed complexity, good acid line and slightly candied dosage of 11g/L.

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About Airlie Bank

Airlie Bank dares to treat drinkers with respect by delivering wines that are delicious and true - as well as remarkably good value. Tim Shand and the team enjoy freedom to push boundaries. Their small-batch ethos has led to a great deal of creativity and ever-decreasing doses of sulphur. Nothing is off the cards when they sniff an opportunity to make a more compelling wine, as demonstrated by its 100% whole bunch Cab Franc and goon-bag fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Pure drinking pleasure is the one-point manifesto of Airlie Bank, and the thirsty take-up across the board shows that they're hitting the mark.

About

Tim came to the Yarra Valley with vintages under his belt at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy and Château Margaux in Bordeaux, as well as stints in Chianti, Oregon and Chile. Since then he had a hand in some of the region’s headline-grabbing wines of recent times during his tenure at Giant Steps before taking the helm at Punt Road in 2014. Tim and the team are making most of the freedom to push boundaries while making the most of the excellent fruit the Yarra Valley gives rise to.