Amoise Chenin Blanc, Hawke’s Bay 2021
– From the exceptional Two Terraces vineyard (Mangatahi Terraces region). There are only 2.5ha in total of Chenin Blanc planted in Hawke’s Bay. The site is slightly higher in elevation and has distinct diurnal swings – hot days, cool nights. This is ideal for maintaining higher levels of acidity and aromatics. Grown on free draining alluvial soils over “red metal”. Foot crushed and held overnight on skins before whole-cluster pressed to barrel. Textural and mouth filling, with tropical fruit notes, crisp granny smith apple acidity and a saline finish.
Amoise Amphora Gris, Wairarapa 2021
– : Urlar Vineyard, Wairarapa. Gladstone is a small subregion overlooking the banks of the Ruamahanga river. Plenty of sun and cooler nights allow for ripe fruit with crisp acidity. Foot plunge each day, pressed after 15 days on skins and transferred it Tinajas (the Leon family have been making clay Tinajas by hand in Spain since 1783). The Gris is a deep orange colour, medium bodied with a plush mouthfeel and hints of pear and ginger spice
Amoise Gamay Noir, Hawke’s Bay 2021
– From Two Terraces vineyard again. Ian and Linda Quinn grow 1.8 ha of Gamay, shared amongst 4 different winemakers. This is a blend of 100% carbonic maceration from the Heritage clone (whole clusters fermented uncrushed in a closed vessel) and semi-carbonic maceration with clone 509 (some crushed grapes so that the grapes are in contact with the juice). The wine is aged in older neutral oak barrels. The final wine is light and soft on the palate and is great lightly chilled.
Amoise Cabernet Franc, Hawke’s Bay 2021
– TK Vineyard, Bridge Pa, Hawke’s Bay. 26 years old vines. Red metal alluvial soils, some of the oldest in the Heretaunga Plains. Bunches are destemmed and lightly foot plunged during fermentation. Three weeks maceration time for a soft and gentle extraction. Pressed into neutral older oak barrels with maturation for 7 months. Dark and inky with raspberry leaf aromas, brambles and blueberries. Medium bodied palate, finishing with satisfying crunchy acid.
Amoise Syrah, Hawke’s Bay 2021
– This is from the exceptional Two Terraces vineyard (Mangatahi Terraces region). 30% whole bunches were kept for structure and aromatics. During fermentation the tank was drained (deléstage) and the juice splashed back over the must to introduce air & wet the cap. After pressing the wine was transferred into my new Tinajas (amphorae). The wine is floral, with hints of violets, with crunchy red fruits, brambles, dark cherry and cassis with low alcohol and good acidity.