Isabel Estate Block 1, Rows 75-97
Block 2, Rows 25-62
Block 3, Rows 1-19/42-61/ 85-96
McGinlay Vineyard
Pinot Gris Clones: Barrie and Mission
Selle Ovaille 2-15 & 2-16
7th - 18th April 2008
15th September 2008
The warm '07 spring resulted in an increased flower set for 2008. Bud rubbing was utilised to keep crop levels under control followed by two rounds of bunch thinning - retaining only the best clusters. The long (and consistent) growing season allowed us to keep a fairly dense canopy over the fruit. This encouraged slow ripening, very important with the Pinot Gris grape, allowing concentrated flavours to develop without high sugar levels and overt phenolics. Fruit was hand picked at optimum ripeness, decided by both analysis and taste.
Fruit was brought to our winery in the cool morning hours, helping to retain their fresh, crisp flavours. Bunches were de-stemmed prior to being transferred to tank for a lengthy cool maceration - skins offered great flavour this year with minimum tart/green character. Juice was cold settled before being racked to stainless steel tanks - standing proudly in our new white wine cuverie. Slow, cold ferments followed to optimise pure fruit flavours, subtle spice characters and crisp minerality. For added palate interest, weight and lifted aromatics, wine saw extended time on the lees - this technique also softens the natural acidity achieving excellent balance and texture.
