June ’19 – New Releases
The superb line up of releases from Rory Lane at The Story Wines includes two exceptional single vineyard premium wines, the new Grampians Shiraz and for the first time ever, a Pinot Noir from Whitlands in the High Country.
2014 R Lane Vintners Syrah
The Westgate Vineyard has been consistently and unquestionably the highest quality grape source for the Story Wines over the twelve years. This exceptional Shiraz is the result of Rory’s deft hand with fruit sourced from the oldest (45yrs) section of the vineyard. In Rory’s words “I believe this is the best wine I have made to date, and as such it is the wine I am proud to put my name to.”
2017 R Lane Vintners Henty Pinot Noir
The 2017 R. Lane Vintners Henty Pinot Noir is from the Rowan’s Lane Vineyard at Warrnambool, planted on black volcanic friable ashy loam over limestone and shells and sand. Turkish delight and pink flowers which explode on the palate. It’s juicy but deeply savoury at the same time. The unmistakable ashen, coal tar character we see every year is still there, but this year it’s just a foil for the pure pinot fruit.
2018 The Story Wines Whitlands Pinot Noir
Rory has made Riesling from the Croucher Vineyard at Whitlands for 5 years now, and when offered the chance to secure a little of their very cool climate Pinot Noir he jumped at the chance. It is an alpine spice chest! Thyme, lavender, dried pine needles and nutmeg are immediately apparent, then the soft, red fruits flood through. Gentle stemmy grip to close. Super fragrant, super delicious. Drink now.
2016 The Story Wines Grampians Shiraz
Grapes were in fantastic condition given the early vintage, with flavours full and earthy, unmistakably regional. All of the Westgate Vineyard material was declassified into this wine to firm up quality, so it is predominantly from that site, with the balance being from Hyde Park. “This year’s label is an ode to the small winemakers out there that had to fight to retain their equal tax status against the threat of a government convinced by larger companies that only vineyard or winery asset ownership meant legitimacy. The established wineries driving this view may have land and tanks, but that’s not the only type of skin in the game.”
Another stellar line up of wines from Sam Coverdale, starting with the;
2018 Even Keel Tumbarumba Chardonnay
Elevation and decomposing Granite soils produce fruit with exceptional purity and balance. Textural in subtle ways with a great acid line and minerality.
2018 Polperro Estate Chardonnay
This is a blend of ‘up the hill’ Mornington Peninsula vineyards that have benefited from Sam’s organic/biological farming practices. Vibrant notes of fresh peach and lemon curd on the nose. Full solids barrel fermentation and MLF provide moreish, textural elements with great acidity and minerality.
2018 Polperro Estate Pinot Noir
Also a blend of ‘up the hill’ Mornington Peninsula vineyards that have benefited from Sam’s organic/biological farming practices. Multiple sites planted to a variety of Pinot Noir clones combined with Sam’s delicate handlng of the fruit leads to this seductively perfumed wine. The palate is red fruit focused with floral notes, dry forest floor undertones and a hint of smokiness.
The Jericho family wines go from strength to strength with the release of their 2018’s.
2018 Jericho Fume Blanc
This is not your typical Sauvignon Blanc. Inspired by wines of the Pouilly-Fumé; fruit is sourced from a cool site in Kuitpo in the Adelaide Hill. Barrel fermentation in old French oak on lees for 5 months produces a delicious, textural expression with Guava, Feijoa and passionfruit.
2018 Jericho Tempranillo
A bright ‘Joven’ style of Tempranillo. Adelaide Hills fruit, pressed early and only four months in barrel makes for a delicous soft spicy red with bright Cherry fruit and an extra layer of earthy, spicy notes to carry the fruit.
2018 Jericho Fiano
A personal favourite of mine as it’s so distinctive, Neil and Andrew Jericho pick over multiple passes to draw out complexity in the wine. Fermented in stainless steel on lees preserves freshness with stonefruit and herbal elements on a clean crisp palate.