October ’18 – New Releases

In this newsletter we have Callie and Nina’s excellent value Pacha Mama wines and the superb 2017’s from Even Keel and Polperro.

I am taking Callie out in the trade during the last week of October and first week of November and will be in contact to show these alongside the Cloak and Dagger and La vie en Rose wines.

Pacha Mama Riesling
Callie and Nina have made a uniquely central Victorian Riesling with the release of the 2018 Pacha Mama. Incredibly aromatic with an orange blossom and musk profile, textured yet dry and perfect for an afternoon in the sun on the beach (next to your Mt Martha bathing box if you’re lucky enough to have one!)

Pacha Mama Chardonnay
Site selection is key to making this fresh, vibrant Yarra Valley Chardonnay. Two thirds of the fruit is from the upper Yarra which provides the precision and delicacy, the other third is from Coldstream to build some body and texture.Wild yeast ferments, large format barrels and time on lees all add complexity yet remain in the background.

Pacha Mama Pinot Noir
A similar approach to the Chardonnay is used for creating this gorgeous red fruited Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Two thirds of the fruit is from the upper Yarra providing red fruits, spice and structure and one third from Coldstream adding some flesh. Winemaking on point teases out complexity and delicacy. Exceptional value.

Pacha Mama Shiraz
My kind of Heathcote Shiraz; blue fruits, Violets, licorice, spice and that unmistakable touch of Heathcote earth. Callie and Nina select fruit from along the Mt Camel range and employ winemaking techniques to bring out all of these delicious aromatics and flavours with a structure that is supple and bright. Again, exceptional value.

Polperro Chardonnay
The 2017’s all have fantastic expression and definition and Sam’s release of this Chardonnay has all that in spades. Starting with superb fruit from his organically managed vineyards, Sam whole bunch presses, wild yeast ferments on solids and leaves the wine on lees. Vibrant notes of fresh peach and lemon curd on the nose leading into a subtle and balanced palate of spices and nuts, finishing with a refreshing minerality. 

Polperro Pinot Noir
The 2017 is a selection of ‘up the hill’ vineyards (Main Ridge, Red Hill), the fruit is destemmed and whole berry fermented in closed tank for aromatics. Gentle extraction and time on lees in tight grain barrels builds complexity. Ripe cherries and wild strawberries upfront, the palate is red fruit focused with floral notes, dry forest floor undertones and a hint of smokiness. A fine and persistent acid line carries the fruit characters through with the fine tannins, creating a complex yet savoury finish. 

Even Keel Canberra District Syrah
The 2017 is hand picked fruit selected from two outstanding growers Sam has worked with for many years. Classy and complex with a nose of blueberries, violets, mushrooms, green peppercorns and herbs. Focused ethereal palate, velvety tannins and underlying acid.

Even Keel Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay
Another expample of how expressive the 2017 releases from Even Keel and Polperro are. ‘Up the hill’ fruit is hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Wild yeast barrel fermentation and full malo all add complexity to a wine which holds excellent acidity and minerality. Such a pleasurable drink!