The second vintage of this for us (last year was the white label) planted in Oliver in 1997. 3 hours of skin contact during the press cycle. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in barrel. The fermentation stopped on us in January leaving some residual sugar so we had to filter this wine. Bright, candy watermelon in colour. OFF DRY. Big and bright aromatics of cherry pop rocks, candy apple and sweet thyme. Medium bodied and off dry with a big mouthfeel and ripe red tree fruits. There is good acidity here to buoy the sweetness and it never comes across as cloying. (my wife puts a few ice cubes and soda in it and drinks it as an aperitif and doesn't think I know).
This is from 1 acre on Matt's property planted in 2004 and currently undergoing organic conversion (the grapes used to go to Laughing Stock). Whole cluster pressed with 1.5 hours of skin contact. Fermentation in stainless steel and aging in old oak. Unfined and Unfiltered. DRY. Pretty apricot pink and slightly hazy. Big, inviting aromatics of savoury plum and watermelon. A medium bodied palate echoing the nose with a moreish character and fresh acidity. This has enough weight to handle some richer dishes. (We are very happy with this first vintage).
From the original Poplar Grove Vineyard planted in 1995. 3 hours of skin contact in the press. Unfined and unfiltered. Stainless steel ferment and old oak barrel ageing. Very pale orange peel in colour. BONE DRY. Zippy, fresh aromatics of apricot skin, herbs and citrus. Brisk fresh palate with racy acidity and a fairly juicy finish.
