2020 VDF 'Whaka Piripiri Mai'
Regular price
$65
750ml
Sale
2020 is the second vintage of this cuvée, a blend of the two parcels of Chenin: ‘Les Cailloux’, on schists and stone-quartz terroir and ‘Clos des Plantes’ on purple schist with areas heavier in clay. Both parcels were originally planted in the early 1990’s. Whaka Piripiri Mai is Māori, and encapsulates many meanings – one being ‘gather together’ – he learnt the name while in New Zealand, and since the wine is a blend of two parcels, he thought it was the perfect fit. Manually harvested, whole-bunch pressed in a vertical wooden press. Fermentations started spontaneously on wild yeasts in tank. 8 months élevage in tank on fine lees, bottled unfiltered on May 25th.
This has everything I love about Chenin - flavour, texture, mineral tension and beautiful acidity - all in perfect harmony. Blossoms, honeysuckle and fresh, ripe orchard fruit with a mouthwatering, citrus edge. The wine has layers of flavour, is bright, and very long in the mouth. The acidity stretches it out, and keeps you coming back for more. A stellar expression from this talented newcomer. Very stable too.
