Description
"Planted in 1923, this is one of the oldest Riesling vineyards in the Clare Valley. It was established by the neighbouring Parish family and has remained in their hands to this day. The rows run east – west, allowing the canopy to protect the fruit from the intense sun. The site is unique for Watervale, as the vines grow over slate and heavy red clay. While most of Watervale is limestone, there are some bands of slate running through the area. Additionally, there’s a bit of iron stone in this block. Given the heavier clay soils over the slate and the very old vines, the flavours of this wine are very powerful to begin with. Over the 5 years we have been working with this vineyard, we’ve realised it requires minimal intervention in the winery beyond a clean and controlled ferment. The wine ferments and matures in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation (MLF) isn't typically favourable for this wine, so we generally keep it cool. In total the wine spends 15 months in steel, predominantly on fine lees." - Winemaker Notes
"Intensely slate-driven, showing mineral-edged notes of nectarines, wet river stones and high-toned citrus. The palate is so energetic and powerful with a striking acidity and nicely integrated phenolics. High-tension and linear, this has a drive and concentration that will evolve nicely in bottle. Aged on fine lees in stainless steel for 15 months. From vines planted in 1923, bringing depth and purity." - 96 Points, James Suckling
"Such power and grace. Vibrancy and succulence. Sweet lime-lemon gets bested by ginger, cumquat, tangerine, with touches of green almond, Real Lemonade and touches of tonic and mineral water. Pure, so powerful and yet fresh, stacks of character and a bit of a ‘wow wine’ without getting out of bed. Super drinking." - 93 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
