The 2022 growing season was the third cool season in a row. Unlike the even and good sized crop of 2021, the season produced some low yields, though once again we are seeing the highest of quality. October and November rains were heavy and right at the time of flowering for the earlier ripening varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Along with tiny and light bunches, the resultant crop was 50% and 30% down respectively. The wines do have wonderful flavours, are powerful and balanced and will be ones to buy up on. All other varieties had strong yields and equally impressive quality. A stunning year for Cabernet Sauvignon with a long ‘Indian Summer’ allowing for picking to take place with fine soft ripe tannins and low alcohols.

A complex cool climate Cabernet nose of blackberry, cassis and fleshy ripe fruits. The palate is defined by perfectly ripe soft tannins that will ensure the 2022 Medhurst Cabernet Sauvignon will continue to improve with careful cellaring for at least a decade.

Low crops and careful canopy management ensure powerful varietal flavours and great intensity in a medium bodied frame. 3.4t was picked on the 29th March and placed in the cool room overnight. The following morning bunches were destemmed onto a sorting table for berry selection. The pure clean fruit was then tipped into an open fermenter where the grapes underwent fermentation and remained on skins for 24 days. This extended maceration produced silky tannins, essential for the structure and longevity of the wine. After pressing, the wine was racked to French oak barriques (35% new) for extended elevage. After 11 months the wine was rack and returned to 20% new and the rest 1 and 2-yr old oak until bottling onsite on 1st November 2023. Only 230 dozen produced

A food match we like is Mayura Station Wagyu rump medium rare, french fries, sautéed green beans.