V I N T A G E C O N D I T I O N S
In the time leading up to the 2018 vintage, the vines were slow to wake up. Below average temperatures in July, August and September resulted in a late bud burst, and left us wondering if we were facing a long drawn-out vintage. Things started to heat up from October onwards however, delivering above average spring and early summer temperatures, and one of the earliest harvests we have seen at Delamere. These unusual conditions produced solid crop levels with gorgeous flavour intensity, coupled with racy acidity. Flavour ripeness came on quickly, so it was all backs to the wheel in a race against time as a compressed vintage unfolded before us. We are pleased to say that our hard work and long nights prevailed and we emerged out the other side of vintage spent but fulfilled, and above all delighted with our 2018 wines.
W I N E M A K I N G
Gentle whole bunch pressing of the fruit and blended whilst still juice,
the 2018 Cuvée is an elegant wine representing some excellent characteristics of the vintage. The assemblage consists of a classic 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir. The vintage conditions allowed us to use a large proportion of solids during fermentation to give extra depth and complexity. Five years of tirage age, in tandem with 3g/l dosage, this wine shows a luscious palate with evocative length.
T A S T I N G N O T E S
Remarkably, even nearly six years on tirage, this wine is still quite fruit-driven with Red Delicious apple and fresh lemon. There are some sweet autolysis character reminiscent of fresh croissants, and accentuated by the mouth-filling creamy mousse. Structural and balanced with fine tannins, the dosage of 3g/l vibrantly delivers a perfectly balanced wine with great length and a crisp zesty finish. A wine that will develop brilliantly under cork.
F O O D M A T C H E S
In its youth, this wine is served best with a selection of fresh Tasmanian Seafood. With age the Cuvée is best accompanied with Peking Duck, spatchcock or poached quail eggs.