Story

The life of the party, the instigator of frivolity, the undying entertainer. A modern-day jester gathers friends around regularly to eat and drink well, and much like their medieval predecessors, reminds us that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

Tasting Note

Beautifully perfumed, soft and approachable with blood plum, dark cherry and blackberry framed in generous smooth tannins and medium body. Subtle hints of cocoa, cinnamon, dry herbs and cedary texture create inviting intrigue, while gentle balanced acidity allows the soft, smooth profile to continue throughout the finish.

Winemaking

Destemmed and crushed for fermentation in 8 tonne potter fermenters with twice daily pump overs, and larger vinomatics under a gentle extraction regime. Temperatures were kept cool, between 20 and 24˚C to retain fruit vibrancy and ensure a soft tannin structure. The ferment was pressed off at approximately 2 Baume to finish in stainless steel tank, before natural malolactic fermentation and maturation in 80% French and 20% American Oak Hogs Head Barrels for 16 months. The wine is unfined and underwent light filtration prior to bottling.

Vineyard

Lopresti Ridgehaven Vineyard - Hahn Road, Sellicks Hill, McLaren Vale.

Located at the southern tip of McLaren Vale on the foothills of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The site is defined by its red-brown clay loam soils, atop Christies Beach formation. Shattered rock appears throughout the profile, becoming more prevalent at its base. A north-westerly aspect captures ample sunlight and ensures ripening and plush tannin maturity in the fruit, whilst strong gully winds from the Ranges cool the vineyard into the evening.