For the fourth consecutive year, cool conditions prevailed in McLaren Vale. However, unlike the preceding vintage, thankfully, yields returned to normal in 2024. Fiano grown in McLaren Vale is prized for its thick skins and high natural acidity. Andre and Selina sourced the fruit from two sites run by the talented Ben Lacey: Lacey Branson Road block in Tatachilla and Lacey HQ block on Olivers Road. Due to its proximity to the sea, Branson block maintains relatively cool temperatures in the warm summer months. The soils are grey-brown loam over limestone, and the thick-skinned fruit holds its natural acidity well. The Olivers Road block faces north with higher summer temperatures and rich red loam soils over limestone.
After the late 2023 vintage, picking returned closer to the norm in 2024, and the parcels came off the vine in the last week of February and first week of March. After a short spell on skins, the fruit was slowly and gently pressed to old oak and stainless steel. The wine remained on light lees until June before blending and bottling. The cool conditions and long hangtime have led to a bright, fresh and deliciously textured white, made to accompany warm nights and smoky barbequed fish.