Description
Vintage 2022
Winter rainfall for 2021 was above average. The wet winter was welcome after 3 dry`ish years. Maximum temperatures were below average for the beginning of the growing season; the latter half was warmer providing good ripening conditions. A hailstorm in October weaved across the valley; the impact at the Willows was isolated. The mild and dry conditions of vintage were ideal, with winemakers talking about the wines of vintage 2022 being elegant and structured with depth and length of flavour.
Winemaking
2 parcels of fruit were hand-picked 8 days apart: the first targeting lift and brightness, the second targeting depth and structure. Small batch open fermentation, 10-12 days on skins with gentle hand plunging. We included some whole bunches during ferment chasing lifted aromatics and complex structure. Basket pressed to seasoned French oak. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel. 14 months barrel maturation.
Tasting Notes
The wine opens with lifted aromatics of raspberry, blackberry, violet florals and black pepper spice. The palate is vibrant and expressive, all about primary fruit. There is a `mineralic` feel that runs the length of the palate with the wine showing great poise and balance.
ALC 14.4 %
Vegan Friendly
Winemaker: Jack Scholz
