Winter rainfall was back to average following a comparatively dry 2021/2022 season, with a wet August and September. Cold conditions delayed budburst, but October saw rapid shoot growth. November was exceedingly wet with over three times the average rainfall across the Adelaide Hills. Continued wet weather saturated the soil, posing challenges for vineyard access and increasing disease pressure. Development of downy mildew infections in the pre-flowering bunches caused some damage, but ideal flowering conditions in mid-December resulted in good set and a moderate crop level. Veraison began in the last week of February, one of the latest on record. The 2023 pinot gris from Littlehampton was picked in the third week of March, the latest harvest since 2006. The resulting wine shows extraordinary flavour with excellent balance, aromatics and a long, lingering finish.
Pale gold with green hues. Delicate aromas of almond blossom, white rose petals, honeysuckle, jasmine, orange and ground ginger are entwined with white peach and subtle notes of candied fennel and musk. A rich and vibrant palate of nectarine, poached pear, nutmeg, cardamom and hazelnut, balanced by crisp acidity and a long lingering finish.
Lifted pear skin, green apple aromas with hints of nectarine and tonic water. Minerally wine with lovely pure pear, crunchy apple flavours, some stonefruit notes, fine slinky textures, some mid-palate creaminess/ slipperiness, and long quartz-like acidity. A classic early drinking pinot gris with very good varietal definition, volume and mineral length.
Excellent intensity of fruit here. Quality is announced from the outset. Pear, apple and chalk characters, a touch of florals, a tonic aspect. This Pinot Gris is straight, clean, well-flavoured and attractive from start to finish.