Viognier 2023 VITICULTURE: The immaculate vineyards used in this premium niche wine are East-West facing and vertically shoot positioned. The vines are grown in Oakleaf and Clovelly soils and are irrigated according to soil moisture and leaf water potential requirements. A slightly leaner canopy enables good light penetration and effective bunch ripening. WINEMAKING: The grapes used in this premium wine were night harvested and destemmed in the early morning without crushing the berries, retaining a whole-berry component to press at about 70%. The juice was settled overnight at 9 degrees Celsius and the clear juice was then gravity fed to 16% new 400 litre French, Hungarian and Romanian oak barrels as well as a combination of second and third fill 400 litre French oak barrels. All barrels underwent natural fermentation for the first 5 degrees balling and were then inoculated with a commercial yeast strain to ensure a clean ferment to dryness. The wine was matured in barrel for 9 months and batonaged regularly to develop mouthfeel. Mid-palate and wood integration were further enhanced by the use of larger barrels. A light filtration was done shortly before bottling. TASTING NOTES: Intense, upfront notes of citrus blossom, glazed pineapple, white peach and a hint of lavender. A creamy midpalate is well supported by subtle oak spice and lingering ruby grapefruit on the elegant finish. FOOD PAIRING: This bold food wine would complement a wide range of spicy dishes which include Indian, Malay and Thai curries. BOTTLE ANALYSIS: Alcohol :13.5% Residual Sugar :3.3g/l pH :3.26 Total Acidity :6.2g/l