24 hours after having our first child, I received a phone call from a friend and vineyard consultant, Simon Glover. Cleveland Winery had recently been sold, and neither the outgoing owners, nor the incoming ones wanted the fruit from that year’s harvest. Knowing that I was always on the search for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, particularly from the Macedon Ranges, Simon called me.
I picked up the phone, still very much on a high from a concoction of endorphins, pain relief and that newborn baby bubble.
“Do you want the fruit?” I paused, not quite sure how I would juggle a last-minute addition of fruit from a new site with a newborn; I hadn’t even seen the vines or the quality of fruit. But my husband could hear the conversation and started mouthing “yes, take it”, so that’s what I did. And I’m so grateful that I did because this wine is one of my favourites.
Region: Macedon Ranges
Sub-region: Lancefield
Vineyard: Cleveland Winery
Located just out of the Lancefield township, this unique 10-acre vineyard is split amongst three blocks and has a mix of varietals including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 460m, the vines are slightly easterly facing, so catch the morning sun which helps with ripening. The site is irrigated and the soil is fertile red clay and granite.
Harvest: 21 and 22 April 2021, handpicked
Varieties: 88% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noir
Quantity: 47 dozen
Closure: Diam
Palate: Lightly textured, lively front palate. Lovely balance with a heavier emphasis on Chardonnay. Freshly ripened stone fruits, lemon blossom, shortcrust pastry, followed by a beautiful, sustained finish. A generous, friendly, non-pretentious sparkling wine.
