Grosset Wines Is Releasing Apiana 2014, the First New Wine Release in Four

GROSSET SPRING NEWSLETTER 2014

‘A Remarkable Vintage’ ‘A Grade’ Organic Status

2014 saw early vintage Australian Certified Organic (ACO) has accredited challenges of extreme all Grosset vineyards ‘A-Grade Organic’. The winery heat and rain which is also certified to process organic fruit. resulted in slightly lower This top ranking means their practices comply than average fruit yields. with the strict European regulations and also Despite this, the overall demonstrates they have attained the highest quality achieved this possible standard of worldwide certification. year was outstanding. The greatest benefit of being organic is that the The vineyard canopies quality of the fruit is maintained in a manner that maintained optimum physiological ripeness, looks to the future health of the vineyard. resulting in perfect sugar and acid balance in the white varieties. The colour intensity in the reds was These practises bolster the long-term viability of the exceptional, as was the ripeness of the skin and vineyards by promoting healthy eco-systems and seed tannins. renewable resources.

Viticulturalist Mark Groat says “Meticulous shoot “We are working thinning, hand-pruning, harvesting and canopy to rejuvenate the management meant we could still achieve vine environment and bring balance despite the early adverse conditions. it back into balance” Rather than hand-hoeing around the base of each says Grosset. vine, we introduced an under-vine slasher. This As a result, these wines new technology senses the vine trunks and cuts the are not only sustainable grass around the vine at close proximity. and chemical free, but This process eliminates the need for any cultivation, they’re also vegan and thereby improving the soil microbiology and vegetarian friendly. structure,” he said. THREE GROSSET RIESLINGS... What’s the difference?

Grosset Polish Hill 2014 Grosset Springvale 2014 Grosset Alea 2014 Source: Grosset Polish Hill Source: Grosset Springvale Source: Grosset Alea Vineyard Vineyard Vineyard

Site: Southern-most vineyard, Site: North-eastern corner, Site: North-eastern extreme of Polish Hill River sub-region Watervale sub-region at high Watervale sub-region at high (460 metres) altitude (460m) altitude (460m) Soil: ‘Hard rock’ site with silt and Soil: ‘Soft rock’ site with thin Soil: Hard red rock (slate-like) shallow shales over a thin crust of topsoils of red loams interspersed with a poor orange/red loam for clay and gravel with shale over limestone topsoil Clone: One local and two German Clone: Two German and one Clone: One German (moderate clones unknown vigour) Yield: 2 bottles per vine Yield: 2.5 bottles per vine Yield: 2.5 bottles per vine Canopy: Low vigour, shoots avg. Canopy: Low-moderate vigour, Canopy: Variable vigour due to 0.7m hand-trained upright shoots avg. 1m, trained upright rock, trained upright Bunch size: Small berries and Bunch size: Compact moderate Bunch size: Medium berries and bunches, 100grams/bunch berries and bunches, 150g/bunch bunches, 140g/bunch Fruit colour: Thick skinned and Fruit colour: Lime green colour Fruit colour: Yellow/green yellow-tinged

Harvest date: Hand harvested Feb Harvest date: Hand harvested Feb Harvest date: Hand-harvested 18-Mar 2, 2014 16-Feb 28, 2014 Feb 28-Mar 3, 2014 Fermentation: Six ferments Fermentation: Five ferments Fermentation: Two ferments according to clone and vine age according to clone and vine age according to harvest Fruit flavours: Intense citrus and Fruit flavours: Lime driven with Fruit flavours: Kaffir lime with cool slate characters mineral background hints of white flowers and herbs Profile: Bone dry (zero fermentable Profile: Bone dry (zero fermentable Profile: Almost dry, underpinned sugar), intense and powerful with sugar), finely structured, vibrant by a linear acidity: fragrant, persistent length and pure generous, succulent and long

Tasting/Assembling: 3 weeks, 2-3 Tasting/Assembling: 2 weeks Tasting/Assembling: 6 days hours tasting per day (mornings)

Awards: Langton Classification VI: Awards: Langton Classification VI: Awards: Not yet rated Rated ‘Exceptional’ Rated ‘Exceptional’ Wine Ark: Australia’s most collected Wine Ark: Australia’s most collected white wine white wine Tasting Notes: This outstanding Tasting Notes: The outstanding Tasting Notes: While it’s tricky vintage surprises with voluminous vintage is evident, too, in the to assert that the Grosset Alea lemon blossom aromas bursting Grosset Springvale which has has come of age in just three from the glass. Then it’s supple impressive finesse and balance short vintages, a case could be and round initially on the palate between intense primary fruit made to justify such a claim. giving a delightful mouthfeel before and schisty minerality. There are While having the advantage of the the more characteristic power typically restrained aromatics, pure excellent harvest, this is a very and tight, steely structure kicks in lime zest and lemon juice flavours smart, balanced riesling. It shows reminding you that this is Polish with savoury overtones, taut restraint and delicacy on the nose Hill. The primary flavours are more structure and lively zingy acidity with some lime blossom notes, evident than is often the case with with some flinty notes to finish. This has silky texture that is initially soft, wonderfully pure lime juice and is a satisfying riesling the hallmarks yet is tight and gently grippy in lemongrass before a finish that has of which are its generosity and the mid-palate. There are positive a surprising softness. Certainly, harmony. It will give delight in the lemon curd and lime zest flavours, there’s refreshingly dry and vibrant short term yet can be allowed to a tight structure and lively softish cleansing acidity and some shaley mature in a cool dark place. cleansing acidity that is dry and minerality on a finish of remarkable zingy. Ageing potential: 5-15 years persistence and length. Ageing potential: First vintage Ageing potential: 6-15 years, 2012 so as yet unknown, however up to 20 years probably 15 years

Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Just 850 cases of this vintage have been released. While quite fine and showing distinctive sauvignon blanc character, it is in fact 75% Clare Valley semillon and 25% Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc. This is a thrilling incarnation of the Grosset classic, the re-invention of a popular style with an intensity, poise and finesse not seen in other unoaked versions of the blend. The 2014 continues a run of outstanding vintages for the wine as well as maintaining the style admirably. The increased percentage of semillon gives weight and definition without taming the primal sauvignon characters of the blend. There’s white floral aromatics with some fresh herb notes, an intense, tight core of pure nectarine and white peach flavours giving a mid-palate tang, before a zesty finish of considerable length. Satisfying. THREE GROSSET RIESLINGS... What’s the difference?

Grosset Polish Hill 2014 Grosset Springvale 2014 Grosset Alea 2014 Source: Grosset Polish Hill Source: Grosset Springvale Source: Grosset Alea Vineyard Vineyard Vineyard

Tasting/Assembling: 3 weeks, 2-3 Tasting/Assembling: 2 weeks Tasting/Assembling: 6 days hours tasting per day (mornings)

Awards: Langton Classification VI: Awards: Langton Classification VI: Awards: Not yet rated Rated ‘Exceptional’ Rated ‘Outstanding’ Wine Ark: Australia’s most collected Wine Ark: Australia’s fifth most white wine collected white wine Tasting Notes: This outstanding Tasting Notes: The outstanding Tasting Notes: While it’s tricky vintage surprises with voluminous vintage is evident, too, in the to assert that the Grosset Alea lemon blossom aromas bursting Grosset Springvale which has has come of age in just three from the glass. Then it’s supple impressive finesse and balance short vintages, a case could be and round initially on the palate between intense primary fruit and made to justify such a claim. giving a delightful mouthfeel before schisty minerality. There are While having the advantage of the the more characteristic power typically restrained aromatics, pure excellent harvest, this is a very and tight, steely structure kicks in lime zest and lemon juice flavours smart, balanced riesling. It shows reminding you that this is Polish with savoury overtones, taut restraint and delicacy on the nose Hill. The primary flavours are more structure and lively zingy acidity with some lime blossom notes, evident than is often the case with with some flinty notes to finish. This has silky texture that is initially soft, wonderfully pure lime juice and is a satisfying riesling the hallmarks yet is tight and gently grippy in lemongrass before a finish that has of which are its generosity and the mid-palate. There are positive a surprising softness. Certainly, harmony. It will give delight in the lemon curd and lime zest flavours, there’s refreshingly dry and vibrant short term yet can be allowed to a tight structure and lively softish cleansing acidity and some shaley mature in a cool dark place. cleansing acidity that is dry and minerality on a finish of remarkable zingy. persistence and length. Ageing potential: 6-15 years, Ageing potential: 5-15 years Ageing potential: First vintage up to 20 years 2012 so as yet unknown, however probably 15 years

Dear Member

Welcome to the Spring 2014 Newsletter.

This year Grosset Wines is releasing Apiana 2014, the first new wine release in four

years. Apiana, derived from the Latin for bees, is made from fiano and semillon. The site selection of the fiano vineyard has proven very successful and I believe this variety’s unique pairing with semillon has resulted in a very exciting wine.

Due to the small quantity of Apiana 2014, it will be available to members only.

Best regards

Jeffrey Grosset

Grosset Apiana 2014

Only 180 dozen produced. Fiano is a variety originating from the south of Italy, and in ancient Rome it was said to make wine that resembled honey.

It was planted by Grosset at Watervale eight years ago, during which time the vines struggled to produce a crop in these meager rocky soils.

The fiano vines are extremely low yielding, so the complexity and intensity of the fruit combines wonderfully with the clean, fresh citrus characters of the Watervale semillon grown on the same site. Fiano sits neatly with Grosset’s philosophy of biodiversity and complexity in the vineyard, and acknowledges the influence of bees, one of the more miraculous species on earth.

This blend of fiano and semillon is a welcome addition to the Grosset range. There's initial restraint with dried herb and beeswax aromas and impressive weight and power in a dry, savoury mid-palate. There's mouth-puckering intensity, generosity of flavour and lively zesty acidity. Fascinatingly different.

Grosset Gaia 2011

Only 600 dozen produced. There’s lively brambly aromas, blackcurrant and black plum flavours, dense with refined power yet it’s almost juicy. It has the structure and tannins to age as Gaias do. Tyson Stelzer Wine Business Magazine April 2014 With crunchy blackcurrants, green capsicum and green bean, this is a tangy, herbal, leafy, capsicumy Gaia, reflecting a cool season yet, vitally, the acidity and tannins are ripe and balanced, carrying the finish long and even. A triumph for 2011. 94 points.

Grosset Pinot Noir 2012

Only 250 dozen produced. It is even more savoury than usual yet with mulberry, black-cherry and candied redcurrant flavours, a tight structure and a tensile core, with bright, fine-knit tannins that give definition and the promise of long life. Huon Hooke Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine June/July 2014 The deep red-purple colour is excellent and the aromas are bright and fresh. Mouth-filling flavour is backed by soft tannins and plenty of extract. An excellent and complete pinot noir with ripeness, vitality, flavour depth, structure and persistence. 96 points.

Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay 2012

Only 400 dozen produced. It is seamless, multi-layered, tight and fine, showing refreshing primal characters which balance lively, zingy natural acidity that provides definition and a crisp lingering finish. Tyson Stelzer Wine Business Magazine April 2014 A delightfully elegant release for Grosset, a chardonnay of graceful perfume and impeccable poise, with a silk thread of acidity lacing a long finish in seamless harmony. Breathtakingly beautiful. 96 points. Grosset Gaia joins Langton’s initiatory promotion of Gaia into the category of ‘Excellent’ ‘Excellent’ Classification that producer Jeffrey Grosset finds most gratifying. “Its promotion confirms that a third wine of the Grosset With the release this year of the 6th Edition of Langton’s range has come of age,” he said. Classification of Australian Wine, Grosset Gaia has been recognised as one of the most sought-after wines Grosset Polish Hill & Springvale produced in this country. retain their Langton’s ratings Made from cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, Gaia was first produced in 1990. Its inclusion marks this unique Polish Hill Riesling was the first Grosset wine to be listed wine’s transition from relative obscurity to prominence, in 1996, and was promoted to the highest category of and shows the esteem in which it is now held. ‘Exceptional’ in 2010. Its inclusion again this year places it in an elite group of twenty-one of Australia’s most For twenty-five years Langton’s Fine Wines has monitored the secondary market for Australian wines, prized wines. rating them by their reputation and demand at auction. Likewise, Grosset Springvale Riesling has been The Classification is a prestigious and highly-respected merited as ‘Outstanding’, with fifty-two other Australian guide to Australian wine, and is widely regarded as the benchmark wines. best publication of its kind outside Europe. “It’s very gratifying to see the Polish Hill and Springvale In 2014, Gaia joins its two Grosset stable-mates which retain their status in the new Classification,” said Jeffrey the Classification has previously acclaimed. But it is the Grosset.

Jeffrey Grosset in ‘Australia’s Hall Of Fame for Jeffrey Grosset 10 Best Winemakers’ During the 30 year One hundred wine experts were asked to Gourmet Weekend nominate the countries top 10 wine producers and celebrations (May 18-19, Jeffrey Grosset was rated overall number two... 2014), Jeffrey Grosset http://www.grosset.com.au/top-10-winemakers was one of six ‘Legends’ to be inducted into the Grosset Polish Hill wins Clare Valley Hall of ‘Australia’s Best Riesling’ Fame.

James Halliday, Australia’s foremost wine writer, has named Grosset Polish Hill 2013 ‘Australia’s Best Riesling for 2014’ at Halliday’s Companion Wine Awards in Melbourne, 29th July 2014.

Grosset Wines PO Box 64 Auburn, South Australia 5451 T: 08 8849 2175 F: 08 8849 2292 E: [email protected] W: www.grosset.com.au