The grapes were selectively hand harvested – an essential process when handling Botrytis inflicted fruit as the bunch stems are fragile and can easily fall off the vine. The grapes were then whole bunch pressed, with the juice returned to the skins to rehydrate the more raisiny berries, then pressed again. A slow fermentation with specially selected yeasts and minimal handling were used to ensure the retention of fruit purity. Due to the osmotic pressure of the elevated sugar level, the yeasts struggled to ferment though they were able to ferment the wine to 8.0 % alcohol before succumbing. The winemakers were very happy with the final balance of sweetness, alcohol and natural acidity. This Reserve 242 release is an extremely intense Botrytis wine with glacé citrus, exotic spice and dried stone fruit notes. There is also some of the musky sporally funk found in some of the classic European expressions of this wine style. The palate opens with a powerful Botrytis flavour and sweetness, building to a rich middle palate eventually tempered by acidity and the Heggies Vineyard minerality, leaving the palate refreshed and crisp at the end.

2007


Eden Valley


Peter Gambetta


12th April 2007


8%


8.2 g/L


3.33