2018 Santolin 'Gladysdale' Pinot Noir

This wine has been hand crafted with minimal winemaking intervention. Hand picking commenced on March 7th, 2018. 15% whole bunches and 85% whole berries were left to cold soak in an open pot, then left to ferment naturally over a 14 day period with regular hand plunging. Once dry, the ferments were pressed to a mixture of new and old French oak barrels where they underwent natural malolactic fermentation. On completion of malo, the wine was matured on lees for 10 months then carefully racked before bottling. It was not fined or filtered. Additional Notes: Suitable for vegans

ABV%: 13.0

Varieties: Pinot Noir

Vineyard: Willowlake Vineyard, Yarra Valley

Cellar info: 10+ years

Fermentation: Open fermenters

pH number: 3.40

TA number: 6.3g/l

Oak: 10 months in 100% French oak - 30% new

Production Total: 260 dozen

Other vintages: 2016 Santolin 'Gladysdale' Pinot Noir
2017 Santolin 'Gladysdale' Pinot Noir

"A counterpoint to the Gruyere cuvee, hailing from the Lower Yarra; this, from the Upper. Wild-fermented, with a smidgeon more of new oak (30%). Vivid and transparent, with the cardamon, clove and mescal scents owing to a whack of whole-bunch, more apparent. Lacy, delicate, long and mellifluous, nevertheless. This has a seamless flow, an effusive energy; an immense drinkability."

Ned Goodwin

Halliday Wine Companion 2021

92 points