2023 Small Batch Sangiovese

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

Winemaker: Erinn Klein

Grape(s): Sangiovese

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 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 750 vines planted, Brunello and Chianti clones. For the first time we have included a smaller amount of Sangiovese Clones Mat 6 and 7 from our Iluma vineyard that was planted in 2008.

Winemaking Notes: A small batch of Sangiovese made from all our clones. Fully destemmed, gentle extraction by hand, wild yeast fermentation, extended maceration for 6 weeks, and 11 months maturation in one new and older French oak barriques. 

No fining. Estate bottled with small amounts of sulphites added before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Luminous and red in the glass with subtle ochre undertones that hint at its earthy backbone. The nose opens with aromas of cherry, orange zest and citrus blossom, grounded by a distinctive clay-brick earthiness. On the palate, it’s bright, youthful and mouthwatering, with vibrant acidity and a savoury edge that keeps you coming back for more. Flavours of crunchy plum, cassis and sour cherry unfold alongside notes of red apple skin and a hint of chocolate. Moreish, energetic and elegantly structured.

Closure: Stelvin screw cap

ABV: 13.5%