91/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Light-mid yellow colour with a golden tint; the aromas suggest lemon and toasty cashews with a subtle suggestion of barrel fermentation. There's a richness to the middle palate and perhaps a slight dab of sweetness—or just ripe-fruit warmth, then the palate chimes in with good weight and tannin grip, but the line is a little uneven. This is very good, and an extra year or so in bottle should bring it together better. (Grapes from the Rathjen vineyard in northern Heathcote. Fermented in a new French oak foudre)
Tasted: 27/11/2025
Drink: 2026 to 2032
Another single vineyard wine, this time coming exclusively from the Rathjen Vineyard in the north of the region. Two separate picking days are chosen to allow different expressions of this wonderful variety to add complexity. The first is to capture freshness, the second to develop generosity. Matured in a new 2000L French oak barrel for 7 months prior to being bottled.
Brilliant straw yellow in colour. Grenache Blanc from the Rathjen Vineyard is intensely aromatic. Really lifted aromas of pear, apricot, lychee, melon and baked apple. The texture of this variety is what makes it so special. Flavours of baked pears and pineapple, honeydew, and cashew. The palate is generous and textural, whilst he natural acidity of this variety creates a beautiful fresh finish. 13.7% Vol. Drink now and to 2037+ depending on your cellaring conditions. Best serving temperature of 10-12°C.