Continuing in the tradition of hard work and innovation established by William Lyne in 1826, Rodney and Lyn Lyne have planted 14.5 hectares of wine grapes, principally Pinot Noir at Spring Vale located in Cranbrook on Tasmania’s stunning Freycinet Coast.

The vineyard began in 1986 when a small area of 0.8 hectares was planted to Pinot Noir. Further plantings were made in the following years: firstly, more Pinot Noir, then Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, followed by Pinot Gris in 1996. In 2000, more Pinot Noir and a splash of Pinot Meunier were planted. A further 7.9 hectares of Pinot Noir were then planted in 2013.

This wine is a blend of original 1986 and 2000 Estate plantings. Soils are old red loams of volcanic origin. The fruit was destemmed into open pots for initial cool pre-ferment maceration, usually up to four days. Some pots were allowed to ferment ‘wild’ with natural yeasts. The remainder were inoculated with cultured yeast and all pots received regular hand plunging during fermenting to gently extract flavour and tannins. Upon dryness, the wine was pressed to French oak barriques, 25% of which were new, where it remained for 10 months. It was then filtered and bottled.

2018 vintage … Good winter rainfall provided optimal soil moisture profiles leading to drier and warmer than average conditions from September through to April. Spring provided ideal conditions for flowering and fruit sets resulting in above-average crop loads with big healthy canopies enabling even and steady ripening. Quality was exceptional, with lovely varietal flavour and balanced natural acidity.

Medium cherry colour. Aromatic nose of lavender, allspice and subtle toasty oak. Rich, dark cherry flavour on a sweet mid-palate, with a fine line running through it from front to back. Fine, even, powdery tannins and a long, balanced finish. An elegant style with deceptive complexity.