Growing Conditions
The lead-up to the 2013 vintage saw an early onset of summer, with occasional thunder- storms and only four heat spikes, into the 40s, over summer. A cooler than average January followed by a warm February, brought the predicted early vintage even further forward. Even after the dry-fecta of winter/spring/summer the word from the winery floor was that it would be another great Eden Valley riesling year, followed up with some great old-vine shiraz. Fortunately, a desperately needed 16mm of rain came, the first for nearly six months, at the beginning of March to help the dry-grown vines struggle through to full maturity. The roller-coaster weather ride continued through March with almost weekly cycles of hot and cold. Cool drizzly weather at the end of March nearly brought the harvest to a halt, but with a return to the Indian summer conditions in early April, it gave us a chance to get the late varieties in Eden Valley over the line, predominantly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, returning us to another great vintage of average yields and fabulous rock solid quality.
Nose
Aromas of fragrant clover blossom, lemon citrus and green apple are layered with hints of nashi pear, dried fennel and newly mown hay.
Palate
The focused palate shows zesty citrus and fresh stone-fruit characters with beautifully balanced fine acidity and texture for a long, crisp finish.
Appearance
Pale straw with lime hues.
Aging
17% aged for 6 months in seasoned 225L French barriques while the remaining 83% is aged in tank on lees.