De La Terre is a beautiful sloping vineyard planted in 2007 at 10,000 vines per hectare. Still relatively rare in an Australian setting, the planting density results in very low natural yields of, typically, 500 grams or less per vine (i.e. Burgundy Grand Cru levels). De La Terre lies beside the Serré vineyard, although it sits on the slope, whereas Serré is on a small plateau directly above. Despite this proximity, the wines are surprisingly different; De La Terre gives an inkier, wilder and spicier expression of Pinot than Serré. Along with the slope, the clonal selection (777 and 114) and north-south row orientation (rather than the east-west of Serré) contribute to the difference in character.
The 2011 season was mild and even, and the wines produced were marked by freshness, aromatic lift and beautiful varietal expression. The fruit fermented with 75% bunches and matured for 12 months in barriques, 33% of which were new. The wine then spent a further 12 months in mature barriques before being bottled. It’s in a lovely spot, with nice savoury development matched to the charming filigree elegance you would expect from a cooler year. A complex, delicious wine in a light frame for immediate drinking and enjoyment.