Helen & Joey Estate Alena Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
In early March, we hand harvested 6 tonnes of Cabernet sauvignon from our cane pruned, lower yielding section of our Cabernet sauvignon. The grapes were destemmed and very gently crushed prior to fermentation. Throughout fermentation, a range of cap management processes was used in order to extract colour and fine tannin. Once alcoholic fermentation was complete, the tanks were filled and allowed to macerate on their skins for 6 weeks. The post fermentation maceration allowed us to build tannin structure in the wine, without adding bitterness or astringency.The wine was placed in French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, followed by ageing for 12 months. At the end of the ageing, individual barrels were selected for the final blend. The wine required no further treatment except bottling.While 2017 was a cooler year, our 2017 Alena Cabernet Sauvignon still displays the classic Yarra Valley characteristics of cassis, violets and chocolate. This is all supported by refined tannins and the sweet spice from the oak. The wine is very young, after bottling in July 2018, and will reward time in the cellar.Such a fine, complex wine requires a fine, complex match with food.
Stefano Lubiana Sparkling Brut Reserve Derwent Valley Non-Vintage
Lethbridge Nadeson Collis Inception Non-Vintage
Oakridge Sparkling Blanc De Blancs
Very fine persistent bead. Straw coloured and vibrant, fresh hue. Fruit aromas of pear flesh and grilled grapefruit intermingle with brioches and freshly baked sourdough. Light toasty elements and slight yoghurt notes add complexity and depth. The palate is creamy and textural with delicate web of acidity interwoven throughout. Cream, yeast, granny smooth apples and butter pastry flavours flow along before finishing with a preserved lemon-like tang.
Medhurst Estate Vineyard Chardonnay
Medhurst Estate Pinot Noir
Expressive, supple and complex Pinot Noir with an enticing crimson/purple hue. The nose speaks of place, under the shadow of the Warramatte Ranges, dark cherry, licorice, exotic red fruits, violets and spice it is both detailed and abundant. The 2018 season of mild weather delivered us a wine of incredible balance and charm. With a subtle and long palate, there is great vibrancy as well as plenty of ripe tannin presence, ensuring a wine suitable for cellaring. 'Our Estate vineyard Pinot Noir was grown on two quite different sites; loamy brown soils on the south facing C block, and the gravelly duplex clays of the North facing B block. 'Hand-picked on the 21st and 22nd of March the fruit was kept in the coolroom overnight. De-stemming into vats the following morning (3% whole bunch inclusion) the fruit purity of utmost importance with daily gentle wetting of the cap and CO2 (dry ice) for protection. Once fermentation commenced after the fourth day (indigenous yeasts finally co-operating), the cap was pumped over very gently twice per day, with the odd pigeage, and remained on its skins for 15 days. 'At the completion of fermentation, the wine was pressed to tank and then racked to French oak barrels (30% new) for malolactic fermentation. 10 months in oak, before being bottled.' Medhurst Wines is the realisation of the long held and shared vision of Ross and Robyn Wilson to own a property in the Yarra Valley and produce high quality wines. Ross was CEO of Southcorp and drove the companys acquisition of Penfolds, Lindemans and Wynns in 1990. He has remained passionate about wine ever since. Ross and Robyn Wilson spent years looking for the perfect site and for many reasons they jointly decided on the Yarra Valley. Robyn Wilson spent her childhood here, and the Australian and international status of this excellent cool climate wine region and its incredible beauty, helped make their decision. The Medhurst Vineyard was also particularly chosen for its favourable micro-climate, north facing slopes, good drainage and magnificent aspect. It was planted in 2000 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. With the sole objective of making the best wine possible, careful vineyard management ensures yields are low, averaging two tonnes per acre and providing intensely flavoured fruit.
Chandon Vintage Brut
Chandon Vintage Brut is a fine elegant sparkling produced from grapes sourced from multiple cool-climate regions, with a slant towards quality Yarra Valley fruit. A reductive, flinty aroma overlays quince, nashi pear, pine nut, citrus blossom and lemon zest. Toasty brioche and chalky mineral aromas present in the background. An excellent palate, with primary fruits of tangy lemon and kaffir lime, backed up by secondary flavours of fresh pastry. Tightly wound acidity with remarkable freshness.
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Non-Vintage Champagne
A fresh citrus driven Champagne with layers of summer fruits. A popular choice when you want the real deal to celebrate weddings, parties, anything. Excellent value for a fine bottle of bubbles. Regis Camus, International Wine Challenge Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
Chandon Vintage Rose
We are absolutely thrilled to bring to you the Chandon Vintage Brut Rosé, exclusive to Vintage Cellars! A beautiful blend, the pinot component adds lovely strawberry flavours to the creamy nutty characters of the chardonnay which are the hallmark of the house of Chandon. Rich salmon pink in colour, the nose delivers enticing aromas of freshly baked pastry and nougat along with spice notes and hints of cherry and ripe strawberry. The palate is dense and multi-layered with mouth-filling red berry flavours complemented by toasty characters. A beautifully structured mid-palate is supported by savoury spice and fine creamy notes. The inclusion of red pinot noir base wine in the blend provides great complexity, persistence and a sublime long, dry finish.
Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blancs
The Chardonnay grapes used to create Vintage Blanc de Blancs were picked, pressed and then fermented to retain intense fruit flavours. The resulting wine shows a bright straw colour with light green highlights and a beautiful bead. The fragrant bouquet is perfumed with lovely aromas of cream and peaches, with light suggestions of citrus and honeysuckle. The elegant palate is filled with peachy flavours and zesty lemon acidity, offering a silky mouthfeel and a clean finish. This lighter bodied Blanc de Blancs tastes excellent with sashimi, sushi, and foie gras terrine.