100% Nebbiolo (clones Mudgee and 230, both on own roots) from Block 2 on our Protero Vineyard in Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills. The vines were planted in 1999 by Frank and Rosie Baldasso, and the vineyard is managed by Carmine Pepicelli.
The 2018 vintage was, thankfully, a gentle and kind affair. We had good winter rain, late budburst and a cool, mild harvest that gave the grapes natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. The grapes were handpicked on 12th April 2018, from the top of the vineyard only.
Each parcel was gently crushed and kept separate. They were spontaneously fermented and kept on skins for 100 days before very gentle pressing. The wines were blended and settled in tank for 13 days before being sent to old French oak puncheons for malolactic fermentation and maturation. The best barrels were selected in July 2019 and sent to a 2800-litre vat for extended maturation. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration on 4th August 2020.
The nose is amped and alive with classic tar and roses followed by brick dust, dark berries, Luxardo liqueur, cherry kernel and pomegranate juice. The palate shows class, grace and charm. A cool entry of blackcurrant granita is joined by grenadine, sumac and stewed rhubarb all held together by a well-worn leather belt. The finish has classic Negroni, dried citrus peel, hawthorn berries and black tea. This wine has layers of complexity and excellent mouthfeel. The tannin comes in gentle but persuasive waves and the flavours meld with the texture. It has a tubular shape that fans out at the end much like a trumpet. – Stephen Pannell