2015 Shadowfax Macedon Ranges Pinot Gris

Shadowfax

Australia / Werribee / Shadowfax

The first release from Shadowfax's recently acquired Little Hampton Vineyard. At 700m above sea level, this is one of the highest and coolest vineyards in the Macedon Ranges. Good winter rains and an even flowering resulted in an excellent crop of Pinot Gris with fantastic flavours and stunning natural acidity.
All fruit was hand picked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was fermented in old hogsheads, at ambient temperatures utilising the naturally occurring yeasts. The wine remained in contact with lees for 22 weeks, then was racked and bottled on 23rd October 2015.
Pale straw in colour with a bright green edge. Pear skin, nougat, some guava and a hint of spicy spicy florals. Dense, concentrated Pinot Gris flavours follow on the palate. Fresh fruits - guava, pear and apple - are supported by a wonderful array of textural elements - lees derived complexity, slatey acidity and gentle extract. A wonderful expression, showcasing the great synergy between Little Hampton and Pinot Gris.

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About Shadowfax

Shadowfax has taken tremendous strides in recent times, with the team refining the range and proving their prowess with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their single-vineyard Chardonnays have taken out Best Chardonnay at the Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibition no fewer than five times. Especially noteworthy have been the Little Hampton Vineyard in Macedon's high-altitude plantings of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, in the chilliest region of Australia’s mainland. These are the vibrant future of Australia’s cool-climate wine scene. The counterpoint to this is the dynamic Minnow project, based around the Werribee vineyard’s southern French varieties. The name is both a reflection of the grapes’ underdog status and a clever play on “Minervois”, a southern French appellation where these kinds of blends are common. It's the source of bright, spicy, textured rosé and reds, with the micro-make Mondeuse immediately becoming a delicious cult hit. With long-serving vineyard manager and assistant winemaker Alister Timms taking the helm in October 2017, these are hugely exciting times for Shadowfax.

About

Shortly after completing this second degree, Alister started working at Shadowfax as Assistant Winemaker, a position he held for three years before moving back home to run his family’s winery, Kilgour Estate. In 2008, Alister returned to Shadowfax to manage the winery’s various vineyards and establish the Little Hampton property in the Macedon Ranges, whilst working as Assistant Winemaker to Matt Harrop. When Matt decided to leave Shadowfax in October 2017, after almost 20 years as winemaker, Alister was the obvious choice as his replacement. “I look forward to building on the foundation that we’ve created over the years and seeing our vineyards reach their full potential, and to follow that through in the winery.”