x
  • Country ranking ?

    20
  • Producer ranking ?

    2
  • Decanting time

    -
  • When to drink

    2020-2035

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The Story

A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard sections, recognised for its innovative winemaking and distinguishing 'Heytesbury' character.

Our most unique small sections within our vineyards where clone, aspect and soil interplay in such a way that sets these parcels apart from the rest. Each batch was very gently pressed and the juice then transferred directly to barriques with the inclusion of all solids to achieve more of the unique vineyard character. Each batch was fermented wild with no yeast addition and was stirred throughout the nine months of maturation, allowing the yeast lees to impart further complexity, texture and palate weight to the wine. With bright, high acidity in 2016, natural malolactic fermentation was encouraged and completed.

 

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Vintage 2021

2021 Barossa Valley Vintage Report

Following two particularly dry seasons, many were hoping for Mother Nature to be much kinder, and mostly she was. Winter rainfall in 2020 recorded 148mm, the same as winter 2019, (22% below average). The majority of this rainfall was in the latter half of August, with the rain continuing into September and October. This was ideal timing to replenish soil profiles to field capacity moving into budburst in October. However, dry conditions ensued throughout November and into summer with the growing season rainfall from October to March measuring 129mm, 42% below average. The calendar year of 2020 recorded 455.8mm, 160mm higher than 2019.

Some frost damage occurred on 27 September, when temperatures plunged to -0.3°C. However, many varieties were only just emerging and widespread damage thankfully was avoided.

November recorded 4 days above 35°C, pushing the monthly maximum temperature to 28°C - 4°C warmer than previous years. However, conditions throughout summer were relatively mild with December recording its lowest maximum temperature since 2014, and all months recording monthly maximums below average. Cool, dewy mornings and maximum temperatures below 30°C for the majority of January provided optimal ripening conditions.

Conditions were quite favourable during flowering, allowing bunches to set and good fruit development. Veraison started in late January-early February and the cooler conditions and some rain in early February helped to plump up berries and provide some relief to soil moisture profiles. Minimum temperatures for February were 1.4°C below average and maximums were 1.2°C below average.

Whilst yield varied between vineyards, it was welcome relief to achieve close to average crops in comparison to the last two seasons.

There was much anticipation that labour resources required for hand picking would not be available this vintage due to border closures, but with the cooler weather slowing ripening, vintage was less compressed than previous years and it was much easier to source labour than first thought. Harvest continued well into April as the dry Indian summer continued to ripen the grapes.

Quality is exceptional across the varieties and styles from 2021. Reds have intense, rich and balanced flavours and colours; whites have lovely aromatics, finesse and great natural acidity.

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Latest Pro-tasting notes

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Written Notes

Pale colour.  Lovely intense grapefruit, grilled nut, marzipan, vanilla aromas and flavours. Taught yet sinuous in structure with ample grapefruits and limes, underlying tonic water, grilled nut flavours, fine lacy textures, superb mid-palate volume and fresh high pitched indelible acidity. A thoroughbred of remarkable richness and torque. A beautifully focused and classic Margaret River Chardonnay showing off the fidelity of the Gin Gin Clone and precision vineyard sourcing. Drink now – 2032

  • 98p

WINEMAKER'S NOTES Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone on specific aspect and soil interplay in such a way to ignite very special varietal and wild yeast influence. A slightly later harvest held back by late January rain reached a subtle and precisely balanced structure of alcohol and acid line with the most delicate of flavors held tightly, resulting in beautiful restraint and balance. Natural MLF was allowed to complete. Hand-harvested, whole-bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified juice. Only natural yeasts from the vineyard fermented the wine and was nurtured in our cellar for 15 months, 9 of which were in oak with some lees stirring. 100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure. A savory, delicate and beautifully structured, complex wine in a cooler, slightly later harvest year.

A year of peculiar weather where our commitment to organic viticulture was vital to the successful growth of quality, balanced fruit. A cool and wet spring prompted the need for an intense leaf plucking program to mitigate disease risk. Luckily, December and January were warm and dry. Canopy management was a priority throughout February and March to combat unusually warm and moist conditions. A rainfall event in early February provided a timely drink for the red varietals, followed by warm weather which was ideal for the Chardonnay to achieve ripeness. A second rainfall incident in early March was followed by sunny and breezy conditions to dry off the fruit for healthy ripening. With our judicious canopy management and a crop of naturally resilient grapes, we are pleased to say that fantastic quality fruit was ripened and harvested with little-to-no disease in our vineyards.

Pale straw with a green and golden tinge. Savoury, citrus and stone support the elegant, flinty note of the classic Heytesbury perfume. Delicate hints of coastal herb and green tea sit with a little soft cheese and candle wax.  The pure, fine satin polish of this vintage is special, showing serious precision of al dente ripeness. A typically powerful and tightly held acid line holds a soft, full core, showing amazing restraint with incredible balance and a lightly pithy finish.

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Origin

Wilyabrup, Margaret River
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