May 2021 Releases: Bannockburn De La Terre 2018 Pinot Noir $67& Marcus Hill Vineyard 2017 Pinot Noir $35

Bannockburn De La Terre 2018 Pinot Noir $67

Volcanic topsoil, and mixed clays and sands over limestone are typical of our site, and so this wine is named De La Terre, meaning “of the earth”. The combination of east-west aligned rows on a flat and north-south rows on a east facing slope captures even more detail of the terroir. Viticulture: A single vineyard Pinot Noir: 1.2m x 1.0m row/vine spacing/planting, clones 114 and 777. Picked March 1-7. Winemaking: 10% whole bunch fermentation, indigenous yeast, approximately two weeks on skins. 12 months in French hogsheads (20% new). The best barrels were blended, then bottled in January, 2019. 13.0% alc./ vol. Tasting notes: Whole bunch and whole berry fermentation manifest as transparency in this wine, maintained in the relatively inert puncheon oak format. Cola (perhaps from the 777 clone) and spice aromatics lead into a savoury and complex palate featuring fine tannin and well integrated oak.

Marcus Hill Vineyard 2017 Pinot Noir $35

Marcus Hill Vineyard is located on the Bellarine Peninsula, a short drive from Geelong towards the coastal townships of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Marcus Hill vineyard was established in 1999 with plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz and finally Pinot Gris and is managed with the aims of growing premium quality grapes in an environment where natural balance is encouraged. The vineyard is part of a small farm with substantial plantings of indigenous trees and shrubs which are home to a wide variety of birds and other creatures which provide natural pest control for the vines – no pesticides are required. The vines receive minimal watering and a variety of natural fertilisers are used to encourage soil and plant health. The Bellarine is girt by sea, on two sides, and is cool during the growing season. The wine is made in a manner which is sympathetic to the site and area, which produces elegant, delicate and feminine wines. The grapes are picked by hand in small parcels, often with family and friends. All wines are handcrafted with minimal intervention, handling and processing principles. Tasting Notes: 2017 Marcus Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir Morello cherry, wild herb and earthy characters. Rich mid palate, well structured, with supple tannins and good length.