Shadowfax Straws Lane Pinot Noir 750ml

Viticulture:
This close planted vineyard is perched on the North Side of Mt Macedon with it almost kissing the clouds at 800m above sea level. The 36 year-old vines grow on a granite outcrop, near Hesket, producing grapes with great acid and fragrance. A truly unique site among those in the Macedon Ranges.
A cool summer and cool spring led to a very long growing season. Conditions at flowering set few berries, leading to low crop levels. This led to long and concentrated phenolic ripeness. Fruit was hand picked late in the season in pristine condition.

Winemaking:
Hand harvested fruit was carefully sorted and destemmed with 100% whole berries into small open fermenters. Natural fermentation occurred with daily hand pump overs and limited plunging to extract fine tannins and flavour. After two weeks on skins the wine was pressed then racked into new (20%) and used French Hogs Heads, where it rested and grew. The wine was then blended and filtered prior to bottling in February 2022.

Tasting Note:
This elegant Macedon ranges Pinot Noir has violet and mixed forest berry notes, with fine spice aromas including dried sage and lemon grass. Hints of charcuterie set a brooding tone, whilst notes of graphite powder and raspy grape seed oil add complexity. The wine has intrigue and flair in the glass, if you can let it rest, telling a story whilst evolving through time.
Maraschino cherries and violet tones fill the palate. There are complexities galore, some cherry pith, mocha, Campari like, all sitting on a precise palate of lacey fine tannins with lovely acid core. The wines tight rope frame and finesse is a highlight. The palate is long and persistent with evolving complexities as time goes by. A fine example of cool climate, single vineyard, high altitude Macedon ranges Pinot Noir.

- Al Timms, Shadowfax