93 points - "The fifth release, this all comes off estate vines, with 80% cool tank fermented and 20% in old barrels, all wild. We’re starting to see McLaren Vale picpoul evolve, from the initial iterations focused almost solely on brisk refreshment, and vine age and viticultural/winemaking decisions are seeing more depth and detail. This, a case in point. There’s all the typical green apple, lemon pith, white florals, apple sorbet freshness and the pleasing sting of acidity in the tail, but there’s depth of fruit, subtle texture and a gentle pithiness. And, yes, it’s saline and thoroughly delicious." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

Picpoul translates as Lip Stinger in French but is our new summer sipper - the ancient white
variety of the Mediterranean Coast farmed since the 1300’s and famed for its lemony power and natural ability to retain acid in the sunshine! Briny and maritime in its disposition Picpoul is renowned as the perfect Oyster wine

CREATION

The fruit for this wine is 100% estate grown, planted into the ancient Onkaparinga Rocks of our vineyard - The Chase. Perched high atop the range overlooking McLaren Vale our lean and rocky site is perfect for limiting Picpoul's potential yield. To provide further intensity we both shoot thinned and dropped bunches to ensure perfectly even ripening, then hand picked to retain delicacy. Whole bunch pressed, settled by gravity, and rough racked to stainless for a cool ferment on light solids with wild yeast. 20% of the blend was treated more oxidatively and fermented wild in neutral old wood to build further complexity. Post ferment the wine was left on fine lees for a further 5 months to build mid palate texture and
depth.

COMPOSITION

A refreshingly sherbet-like and gently aromatic wine, with lifted notes of white flowers, wax, nashi pear, and lime blossom. In the mouth this crisp and crunchy vibe continues with an intense fleshy verbena line, plus the minerality of limestone, brine and a subtle creaminess from the lees makes it mouthwatering!

CONSUMPTION

Ideal serving temperature is 10°C, drink with South Australian oysters from Pristine or Gazander - freshly shucked - served natural or with a splash of Picpoul