Vineyard
There are eight unique sites (lieux-dits) planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, each with their own unique attributes. Concentration, intensity and power are qualities we see in the fruit, together with a brightness of natural acidity. The lighter soils enhance the perfumed aromatics, and the deeper red soils more structural tannin.
Vertex | Pinot Noir, 1.89 Hectares
At the highest point, Vertex is the only vineyard with a northerly aspect and has the deepest soils across the entire property. This wine has a balance of structure and perfume.
Ironstone | Pinot Noir, 1.63 Hectares
The darker red soils of Ironstone are shallower and hold less moisture, forcing vines to compete, work harder and search deeper. Yields are typically lower resulting in greater concentration.
Chicory | Pinot Noir, 0.64 Hectares
Named after the crop which was grown on this site in the first half of the 20th century, this small and sheltered vineyard enjoys more vigourous growth than its neighbour Ironstone. The wines are more aromatic and perfumed.
Kilnside | Pinot Noir, 1.12 Hectares
Located closest to the rammed earth chicory kiln which was built circa 1910, Kilnside is the most easterly Pinot Noir vineyard and furthest down the slope, offering a more sheltered disposition. Pure, expressive fruit flavours are a feature.
Verge | Chardonnay, 1.68 Hectares
Located in the lower and middle reaches of the hill, the Verge soil is lighter and more gravelly. The vines are less vigourous and the wines are balanced and harmonious.
Buckshot | Chardonnay, 0.98 Hectares
The Buckshot vineyard has an abundance of ironstone encrusted pebbles or ‘buckshot’, formed over millions of years when iron-rich groundwater precipitates out, coating the grains or pebbles. The natural acid line provides great tension in the wine.
Seawinds | Chardonnay, 1.30 Hectares
With a steeper, more southerly aspect, Seawinds feels the prevailing SW wind the most. The soil here is deep red volcanic at the top which transitions to lighter and more gravelly at the lower reaches and to the East. The wines are rounder, full and complete.
Basalt | Pinot Noir, 1.39 Hectares
This mid slope vineyard is named after the parent rock across the entire site. In this section the soils are shallower with basaltic stones closer to the surface. Hallmark tannins and intense fruit flavours are a feature of the wine.