Description
Dark berry fruit, cherries and Chinese 5 spice and balanced by subtle oak. The entry is soft and fills out in the middle palate with soft sweet fruit, velvety texture and fine tannins towards the finish.
Producer Details
Tod Dexter was one of the pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula and as head winemaker at Stoniers and then Yabby Lake he was responsible for some of the most highly regarded Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Australia. Tods own vineyard, now fully mature and producing some of the most sought after fruit in the area was contracted out so it was only in 2006 that he was able to keep back a portion of the fruit and to release some wineunder his own label. From the very first release it was evident that these were something special, more elegant and refined in style than almost any other we have tasted on our travels. Quantities are tiny but worth searching out.
In the Vineyard
The Dexter vineyard is in a small east/ west valley. The cool breeze thats runs up and down the valley, combined with the evening sea breezes helps to moderate the local climate.
In the Winery
Hand pressed fruit is destemmed without crushing into small open fermenters. The must is left un-inoculated for 2-3 days. When fermentation is observed cultured yeast is added. Fermentation temperature peak at 32oc and during fermentation the cap is plunged up to three times a day. 2-3 days later the must is gently pressed and transfered to French oak bariques for MLF. The wine is racked once in the spring and put back to barrels for further ageing. It is racked again in January and bottled in February, 10 months after harvest.
Press Quotes
2008 Vintage: "An elegant wine with round, smooth strawberry and vanilla flavours on the palate, good tannins and a lush finish. 'Hubba Bubba bubble gum' said Kelvin McCabe. In a good way." Sommelier Wine Awards 2010, Judges comments
2008 Vintage: "Pale ruby. Attractively perfumed in an almost Chambolle way! Real complexity and attractive slightly smudgy muckiness. Bass Phillip? Very delicate and confident. Good freshness and really interesting balanced. Acidity is more important than tannin in this wine. Quite lean but not skinny." New World Pinot Noir some of the best, 7th Oct 2010, Jancis Robinson, Purple Pages. 17.5/ 20.
Awards
2008 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2010 - Silver
Food Recommendations
Great with red meats and game dishes. Also delicious with Peking duck or sweet and spicy beef dishes.
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