Fruit from Colbinabbin, in the northern pocket of Heathcote, the grapes were handpicked on 5 April 2023, approximately two months later than usual, to achieve passerillage. The grapes were sweet and raisin-like, with a bit of Botrytis. Lightly pressed and fermented in stainless, to promote bright fruit characters, this late harvest Marsanne has just enough sweetness to enhance the honeysuckle and rockmelon finish. Best enjoyed at 12°C, allowing the wine a little time to breathe.
Our 2023 vintage produced a tiny quantity of concentrated fruit, meaning we only made about 500 bottles.
And the name "RAD"? A Rhône After Dark... coz everyone loves an After Dinner Treat.
Region: Heathcote.
Sub-region: Colbinabbin.
Vineyard: Mount Burrumboot Vineyard.
Harvest: 5 April 2023; picked by hand.
Bottled: November 2023.
Closure: Diam.
Palate: Sweet pear and candied rockmelon, with a hint of golden honeysuckle on the finish. It’s like drinking golden honey with richness, and a hint tart acidity.
P • P • P • Classification: Place and Play.
About the label: As some of you may know, one of my hobbies whilst I was studying law was to sew my own clothes. I found it very meditative and rewarding, using my hands to make something I could later wear. When I travelled overseas to London in late 2010, I discovered the Liberty London store, which had reams and reams of beautiful floral fabrics. I instantly fell in love and bought a few quilting sized pieces which travelled halfway around the world with me.
Fast forward to 2021, I delved into my sewing box and found those floral fabric squares. Cutting small pieces, I created a patchwork like blue fairy wren; a beautiful bird that we frequently see around our Vineyard and Cellar Door in Heathcote. It seemed like the perfect use for these fabrics, my sewing days melding into our life in Heathcote and wine.
