Pete Schell is crafting a flock of exciting whites from the Barossa and Eden Valleys these days, yet Lola is the original, and some would say most multi-layered, release. Semillon again takes centre stage, joined by Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino. The Semillon—a grape grown in the Barossa Valley since the 1850s—is sourced from three old-vine sites (65, 75 and 95 years old) in Ebenezer. The Clairette is from an elevated site in Rowland Flat on the valley's eastern side. This late-ripening grape, with excellent acid retention, provides additional freshness. Ugni Blanc and Vermentino contribute texture and a lick of salinity.
Schell’s extensive attention in the vineyards and a light touch in the shed have given us another exceptional release of this unconventional white. Matured on lees in mostly older wood, it’s a deliciously fresh, textured white blend, flush with stone fruits, citrus, salinity, spice and some lovely hay and talc notes. It’s fleshy with nice phenolic tension, bracing acidity and a long, savoury finish—one of Barossa’s most original whites and one of its best.