2023 Small Batch Nebbiolo

Due to limited production this wine is reserved for Solstice Club Members.

Winemaker: Erinn Klein

Grape(s): Nebbiolo

GI: Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia)

Site(s): Ngeringa Rufus

Vintage notes: The growing season leading into the vintage of 2023 was by all accounts our wettest and cooler in at least a decade. We managed to just stay on top of our disease pressure during the spring of 2022 and then benefited from the rewards with near zero pressure close to harvest. A long, slow much later than normal harvest meant amazing flavour development, great acid retention in the grape across all varieties. Even with our late Italian varieties we finally managed to get ripe.

Vineyard notes: The Nebbiolo grapes are grown on a steep westerly facing slope of the Rufus Vineyard at about 360m above sea level, on rocky red ironstone and schist over clay. Quite a challenging vineyard site – facing west, it receives the belting summer sun and often is exposed to characteristic winds of the Adelaide Hills. From the top of this vineyard in the distance, however, one can see Lake Alexandrina and Southern Ocean, consequently receiving cooling afternoon breezes, which do much to preserve fruit acids and freshness through the critical weeks of ripening.  Only 400 vines planted of the 111 Rosé Clone

Winemaking: A small batch of Nebbiolo was made from fully destemmed, gentle extraction by hand, wild yeast fermentation, extended maceration for 8 weeks, and 11 months maturation in one older French oak barrique. No fining. Estate bottled with small amounts of sulphites added before bottling.

Tasting notes: A delicate, translucent edge that hints at the wine’s elegance and finesse. The nose is layered and expressive, with classic aromas of rose, strawberry and raspberry alongside notes of orange blossom, smoky iodine, toasty spice and a touch of mineral-driven intensity. Hints of marmalade, tangerine, chocolate and Cointreau add aromatic contrast to the red fruit spectrum. Medium-bodied with a mouth-filling presence, the palate is structured and savoury, defined by grippy, characteristic Nebbiolo tannins and a gently ferrous edge. There’s a creamy strawberry note that lingers on the fruit-driven finish, offering both charm and length.

Closure: Stelvin screw cap

ABV: 13.5%