Tasting Notes
Region
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
The Story
A small parcel of Tempranillo was transplanted on our Lovedale Road property from a friend’s vineyard in 2018. Transplanting is not common practice in viticulture, and certainly not the style of transplanting that involves the back of a ute and some precariously placed occy straps.
The Vineyard
There’s only 0.4 ha, so it’s really small parcels of great fruit that have been planted.
Mike and Joss were told it would fail, but now we are harvesting sensational fruit that thrives from these monstrously tall vines each season.
And we certainly enjoy an opportunity to say ‘I told you so!’.
The Wine
Handpicked and destemmed, this wine undergoes open fermentation with hand plunging for delicate extraction. The 2024 vintage is an absolute cracker. We’ve captured that classic Tempranillo energy, rustic structure with hints of savoury spice, and a plush, juicy finish that makes it dangerously easy to drink.
The Vintage
The 2024 vintage was fast and furious, with ideal hot, dry weather condensing the harvest window to four weeks. A dry period throughout the growing season saw the vines flourish. Yields were down, but quality was high, which is ideal for our small family-owned winery.
The Match
With its succulent & structural complexity that leans into earthy, savoury notes, this wine finds its true partner in a slow-roasted lamb shoulder. Whether you are hosting a long, relaxed dinner or simply unwinding after a brisk day, this is the perfect companion for a sophisticated yet rustic feast.
The Winemaker
Michael De luliis
