It's dropped down to under half the total blend for 2019, but Semillon remains centre stage in this year’s blend of 46% Semillon and 30% Clairette with the balance shared between Vermentino and Viognier. Semillon has been grown in the Barossa Valley since the 1850’s and is paid worthy tribute in this wine. The Semillon is sourced from three old-vine vineyards (60, 70 and 90 years old) located in Ebenezer, the foothills near Bethany and the valley floor close to the Para River. The Clairette is cropped from an elevated site in Rowland Flat on the eastern side of the Valley. This late-ripening grape with excellent acid retention provides additional freshness. Viognier and Vermentino contribute texture and luscious stone fruit aromatics.
All parcels were hand-harvested and the bunches were chilled prior to crushing and maceration, which varied from two to 24 hours prior to pressing. All fermentations were wild in a combination of old French oak barriques, puncheons and stainless-steel. Approximately 20% of the blend underwent natural malolactic fermentation. Components were matured on lees for 10 months prior to bottling.