Extremely heavy winter rainfall and ferocious spring winds and hail set up one of the most challenging vintages we have ever experienced at Lenswood. Flowering was late, occurring in December rather than November, in rare calm and sunny weather which set us up for good yields. The conditions post-Christmas were characterised by elevated evening temperatures, heavy rain every four days, foggy mornings and low day time temperatures. Harvest started in March; three weeks later than usual. By Easter, all Adelaide Hills whites and our pinot noir were safely in the winery, and in excellent condition despite 760mm falling during the growing season. This was a vintage saved in the vineyard by the outstanding work of the Adelaide Hills viticultural team under extremely trying conditions, with results that exceeded expectations. The Lenswood vineyard continues to show enormous resilience, and the soil health no doubt plays an important role in the beautiful wines created in 2017.

Fragrant and perfumed aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, chamomile and citrus blossom are supported by richer undertones of candied mandarin, apricot, lychee and musk. Notes of thyme and lemon verbena lend an attractive herbaceousness.

The palate is rich and luscious, with flavours of guava, stone fruit, ripe nashi pear and baked apple with cinnamon spice, balanced by bright, cleansing acidity. Botanical nuances of pine needle and juniper add complexity on the long, sumptuous finish.

Pale gold with golden-green hues.

Momo (Japanese Peach)

Late harvest gewürztraminer was fermented cool to enhance the floral aromas, and delicate flavours while retaining 99g/L of residual sugar. Bottled early to retain natural luscious sweetness.