December 2023 Releases: Milton 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir $58 & Spring Vale Estate 2020 Pinot Noir $58

Milton 2021 Dunbabin Family Reserve Pinot Noir $58

Michael & Kerry Dunbabin have farmed at Milton since 1980 when the property was first purchased by the family. It was in need of new infrastructure and redevelopment and gradually came to support 5500 Merino sheep for our prize-winning wool. We also grew a variety of other crops including carrots, onions, brassicas for seed, poppies and seed potatoes as well as grain and fodder crops for the sheep. We grew tired of selling these crops and watching them be shipped off farm with no further input from us. We decided to plant the grapes as a more sustainable crop with its basic structure still with us in the ground and a lot less impact on the soil. So we set in and planted 2.5 HA in the deep red soils of our Cranbrook Syde property just across the river from our current site. This site proved problematic for frost and vigour, so we started again on the dry, rocky free draining soils on the old sheep paddock just by the cellar door. The grapes were sold to Hardy’s for a few years whilst we learnt a lot about viticulture and then we launched our label in 2005. Only made in exceptional years, our 2021 Dunbabin Family Reserve Pinot Noir greets you with floral notes of violets overlaying the complex evolving earthiness. Made from predominately 115, MV6 and 777 clones and from the grapes from the oldest block overlooking the cellar door which was planted in 1992. An extended time in new (30%) and older French barrels and 15% whole bunch with 100% wild fermentation and unsulphured until the malolactic fermentation in the spring. Presenting with savoury flavours, smooth silky tannins, soft spice, and great concentration. Cellaring recommended up to 10 years. 14% A/V

Spring Vale Estate 2020 Pino Noir $58

Vintage Conditions Another year of below average rainfall through winter continued into spring and summer resulting in below average crop levels. Late summer was cool allowing for slow steady ripening. Quality was exceptional, with intense, concentrated varietal flavours. Vineyard A blend of original 1986 plantings trained on the Lyre system and 2000 plantings on the VSP system with a clonal mix of G5V15, D5V12, 114, 115. Soils are old red loams of volcanic origin. Handpicked in late April 2020. Winemaking Notes: Fruit was destemmed into open pots for initial cool pre‐ ferment maceration, usually up to four days. Some pots were allowed to ferment ‘wild’ with natural yeasts. The remainder were inoculated with cultured yeast and all pots received regular hand plunging during ferment to gently extract flavour and tannins. Upon dryness the wine was pressed to French oak barriques, 25% new, where it remained for 10 months. It was then filtered and bottled. Analysis: pH 3.60 Acidity 5.5g/L Alcohol 13.5% Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red in colour, this Pinot Noir has powerful aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and intriguing spices. The palate has the trademark Spring Vale intensity, plush mouthfeel and forest floor undertones. Finishes with persistent velvety tannins. Will reward careful cellaring of 5‐10 years, but if you don’t have the patience enjoy with spicy barbequed leg of lamb