Pyrenees, Victoria

Certified organic and bio-dynamic Syrah and Grenache (from Saddleback and Landsborough vineyards respectively) grown by Cory Hope in the Pyrenees and owned by Chapoutier. Undulating terroir with shale, mudstone and quartz, sparse soils, at height in the Pyrenees with a south-easterly aspect in general, these vineyards are wonderful places to grow Rhône varieties. The fruit was handpicked in early April for wonderful flavour, the syrah mostly de-stemmed with a little whole bunch and macerated for two days before basket pressing. A dry red was made with de-stemmed grenache and a little extra whole bunch syrah and two puncheons were filled. A little of this wine was added to the lighter red for tannin and colour. After a long slow ferment over winter the wine was racked to tank, settled and bottled in early February with only the addition of a little sulphur at bottling. Drink with a very light chill!