Description / Reviews
"The winemaking for both these new wines is the same as for the estate Pinot - fermented in concrete, tiny percentage of whole-bunch inclusion, elevage in barriques of various age, bottled at the same time. Winemaking should not, and does not, cloud the character of these single sites. The only difference is an extra year in bottle before release.
Ironstone lies near the centre of the property, across a small road from neighbouring Basalt. This has consistently been the lowest yielding Pinot site at Elanto, with less top soil. Flamboyant and concentrated, with a deep core of dark fruit, this is the style of Australian Pinot we expect to see evolve from high-density, low-yielding vines. Expressive from the first sniff, with deep earthy aromas that follow through to a powerhouse, layered palate that is framed by firm tannins and great acidity. Will undoubtedly develop beautifully over the next few years." - Sandro, Winemaker
"Two Lieux-Dits wines released this vintage, Basalt and Ironstone; fascinating to try them side-by-side. So different. Of course, that’s the point. To date, this is the lowest yielding site; it’s mid-slope, west side and next to Basalt. This needed a bit more coaxing so a decent decant is worth the effort, plus it has more structure and power than its sibling. It’s not just word association either as this has strong ferrous aromas, pomegranate, wormwood, a touch of wintergreen and warm earth akin to freshly tilled soil. Beautiful aromatics. Intensely flavoured, the palate fuller bodied, with supple tannins and bright acidity. Incredible to consider such quality comes off young vines." - 97 Points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
