Continuing our commitment to bottle-age prior to release, we are delighted to finally launch the 2017 vintage. For those familiar with the 2016, this wine is cut from the same cloth, but is finer and a little more primary – although it will, of course, intensify over the next few years. After a tricky season, the handpicked fruit was whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented. Then it was matured on lees for 9 months in French oak puncheons & barriques (25% new); with no stirring or malolactic. The 2017 is a true reflection of the Whitlands region: a finely tuned, all-natural acid core, seamless oak & true cold climate flavour intensity. Lees derived texture fleshes out the palate. We think it’s pretty delicious! – Valentines Wines