Vintage
2018
ABV
13%
AUD$ FOB / 9L Case
$100.00 – $149.99
Wine Type
White
Wine Style
Still
Wine Description
The moderate summer and temperate autumn
were ideal for producing quality Chardonnay fruit.
We selected fruit from our Homestead and
Johnston Road blocks, plus fourth generation
growers on McMurtrie Road and Badgers Road
near Kuitpo in the Adelaide Hills. The cool climate
Adelaide Hills Fruit complemented the richer
McLaren Vale component. Each vineyard was
picked at differing Baume levels to guarantee a
spectrum of flavours.
A portion of each vineyard was barrel fermented
in new Tonnellerie Quintessence French Oak,
using 7 different yeast strains, including Wild
Yeast.
The complex nose displays nutty smoky oak,
melon, peach and citrus aromas, with a hint of
apple. With the palate delivering peacharine,
grapefruit, smoky almond, rockmelon and tinges
of mandarin and cashew. A multifaceted, textured
wine with fruit, oak and natural acidity in
harmony, finishing with great length of flavour.
Approachable now or will reward short term
cellaring.
Accolades
94 Points Wine Orbit, SILVER Medal AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge 2020, GOLD Medal AWC Vienna Wine Challenge 2019
Winemaker's Bio
Now in the capable hands of Geoff Johnston, a winemaking graduate of Charles Sturt University and grandson of the winery’s founder, Pirramimma has seen many significant changes, including the construction of a 3100m²
naturally cooled rammed earth barrel storage facility and the expansion of vineyards to 240 acres and 13 varieties. Known as a “Professor of Soil”, he has also spent over 25 years converting Pirramimma’s sterile land into a living organism, as well as reducing the winery’s ecological footprint through various projects including solar systems, dams and even a wine turbine.
As a winemaker, Geoff has a worldly perspective. After a study trip to France his interest for the Bordeaux grape variety, Petit Verdot was developed. Geoff planted a small trial area of the grape in 1983, which has since expanded to 35 acres of mature vines. Pirramimma Petit Verdot vintages have been awarded internationally multiple times with European wine magazine WeinWisser asking… ‘is there any better Petit Verdot in the world?’
Geoff not only pioneered Petit Verdot in Australia, he was the first to introduce the Southern French variety Tannat to McLaren Vale.
In 2021, Geoff celebrated his 50th vintage – a fitting half century for the accomplished cricketer and dogged batsman.
