Tabula Rasa #V18R

Vintage Conditions

 Though 2017 was a late, cool and sometimes damp season, it ended with lower than average rainfall for the late season. Above average rainfall in July and August filled soil profiles and dams but from then on the season has been very dry. It is this dry weather that characterised the 2018 season and the low disease pressure coupled with ideal conditions for flowering and early development set the vines up for an excellent season. With virtually no rainfall between January and April, fruit quality in all areas was very good though some heat stress in February led to isolated defoliation. As we like to pick ‘on the way up’ our season began quickly with several varieties ripening at once but then progressed nicely, with the ability to pick when it suited given the settled weather.

Viticulture

This wine is made from a multitude of vineyard sites across South Australia but suffice to say that some of the contributing sources are amongst the finest in the country.

Winemaking

Just as every vintage is unique, so is every vintage of Tabula Rasa. Though the consistent factor is some delicious, succulent old vine, whole bunch Grenache, there is always a smattering of other varieties depending on what has thrived in any given season. Minimal intervention lets the fruit do the talking. Some components have received subtle barrel ageing – around 10% of the wine spent 4 months in older French oak.

Tasting

Living up to our name, we are delighted to present the rule-breaking Tabula Rasa. Each year, the slate is wiped clean and, with no preconceptions, every vintage is original. #V18R draws on fruit from historic vineyards across South Australia, Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro and Carignan, this delicious wine captures the very essence of one season in a playful format that just demands to be drunk. The 2018 edition is lip-smackingly crunchy with vibrant black cherry fruit and exotic spice on the finish.

Blend:Grenache 76%, Shiraz 10%, Mataro 9%, Carignan 5% (500ml. bottle, crown seal)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 6.11
pH: 3.42
Residual Sugar: <2g/l
SO2: 79mg/l
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes