Gewürztraminer grapes were hand-harvested from the Midhill and Straws Lane vineyards in the Macedon Ranges on 23rd March and 9th April 2019. A cool start to spring meant that the growing season was slow out of the gates, but a warm and dry summer ensued allowing fruit to reach ideal maturity and flavour ripeness in good time. The growing season was settled and cool, and the high altitude of these sites allowed natural acidity to be maintained.
The hand-picked fruit was firmly whole bunch pressed to impart some skin contact to release the full flavour profile. A small parcel of the fruit was foot-stomped prior to pressing and impart some phenolic texture. The juice was cool fermented to help retain floral and natural Gewürztraminer aromas. Alcohol 13.2%; pH 3.14; TA 7.8g/L.
The wine is silvery straw in colour, with green tints and brilliant clarity. On the nose, rose petal, candied lime and ginger spice are immediately captivating. An undertone of minerality and darker cinnamon add a savoury complexity underneath while nectarine promises warmth and texture to follow. Tangerine and persimmon fruits spill onto the palate. There is a fleshiness to the wine that is held taught by the pithy acid line. Spicy ginger phenolics focus the palate, helping add structure and drive. The finish is fresh and zesty; full-flavoured acid and phenolics are enmeshed within the fruit. Very refreshing and lively. - Al Timms, Shadowfax