2016 Rosé
The vintage 2016 growing season was challenging in Margaret River. The annual mean temperature in 2015 was slightly higher than average (1.22⁰C), which is the highest on record. Rainfall over 2015 was below average and Spring was warm. Significant rainfall was welcomed (by us) in January and when more rain fell in mid March, we had the early varieties in the winery.
Vinification
The fruit for our Rosé was picked in small batches from 26th February – 11thMarch, 2016. On delivery to the winery the whole bunches were de-stemmed, crushed and pressed with minimal skin contact of just 4 hours. The wine was then settled and racked off lees before being inoculated with a yeast (traditionally used for pinot noir) to bring out the spice and savoury flavours. A percentage was barrel fermented to contribute to the complexity. The wine is made from the Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Malbec grapes.
The completed wine is 13.5% alc/vol.
The wine was bottled with screw cap closures on 2nd August, 2016.
Reviews
James Halliday Wine Companion | 96 / 100 Points
Pale pink; a vibrant, pure and delicious rose, so much so I was tempted to have a mouthful at 7am on a long day of tasting to come. The articulation of the red fruits, the silky mouthfeel, the length and the fruit-acid balance are all perfect.