Semillon is back to centre stage for the 2020 release, 60% Semillon and 20% Clairette with the balance made up by Ugni Blanc (previous releases have been Viognier and Vermentino). 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. Ugni Blanc contributes texture and even more freshness.
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. Components were matured on lees for 10 months prior to bottling.