VINTAGE SUMMARY The regions milder summer and warm autumn resulted in a gentle and slow ripening period, producing outstanding fruit. We didn’t have one day above 40C and only a handful above 35C. Fantastic conditions for ripening all wine-grape varieties, less so for a knock-off swim and cleansing ale at Port Willunga beach. Yields were generally lower compared to 2021 but flavour intensity is exceptional with amazing levels of natural acidity for both red and white wines. La Nina influenced vintage in much of eastern states, but McLaren ale had its mildest weather conditions in recent memory.

WINE MAKING 80% of this wine remained on skins in French oak Demi-Muids for 90 days.  Hand plunging twice daily until completion of fermentation. then combined with the pressings component, followed by 10 months maturation in oak, lees stirred periodically. No additions, 100% malo-lactic fermentation, wild yeast and bottled with minimal sulphur.

WINE MAKER Andy Coppard

Campbell Mattinson Wine Front. This is a wine of personality and length. It’s excellent. It’s all roasted nuts and brine, oyster shells and lemonade-and-lime, the textural element high, the aromatics too. It sees quite a bit of skin contact, in its making, and to me at least it feels a bit oxidative too, in a good, gently sherried way. But the core of fruit remains fresh, energetic and vibrant, and it boasts fantastic length. 94 Points.