Our Koukalaka Sangiovese vineyard was planted in the mid 2000s in Blewitt Springs. The soils are deep sands over yellow clay and the site is perched on western facing ridge. The wine spends an extended period of time on skins prior to pressing, resulting in a fragrant and vibrant wine of medium weight and great depth of flavour.
"A single-vineyard estate wine from mid-2000s plantings in Blewitt Springs, this saw extended time on skins. An initial waft of mint settles with air, revealing layers of spice and florals. Sour cherry and cranberry are paired with potpourri, fennel seed, cracked pepper, baharat-like spice notes, leather and dried oregano. This leans more mid-weight, but it shimmers with flavour depth and perfumed detail on the palate, the fruit effortlessly woven into a web of tannin that’s typically rugged yet fine. It embodies an Italian spirit, but in a way that is expressly individual. 95 points"
Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion
"There is a lovely Italianate pose to this, with a frisky acidity and an edginess to the tannins. Medium-bodied and definitively savory despite the strawberries in the structural framework. Hints of mint, rosemary, leather and tomato bush only add to the delicious feel. Very good drinking. Drink or hold. 93 points"
Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com
"Red cherries, fleshy cherry stones, cranberries, fennel tips, dried florals and woody herbs in the nose. Medium-bodied, sweet, sour, savoury and crunchy. Red cherries, cranberry, orange peel, woody herbs, dry grainy tannins, crisp acidity. Impressively “Italian”. I don’t recall tasting a better Australian Sangiovese - 94 points"
Edward Agg, @thecellarpost
"Raspberry, strawberry, camphor, orange peel, and more than a bit of the old Fernet-Branca to smell here. Medium-bodied, red fruits, bitter orange, crisp acidity, a grainy sandy feel to tannin, with a finish of good length. It’s distinctly different to the standard Coriole Sangiovese; more bitter, more demanding, and less fruity. I like it though. 93 points"
Gary Walsh, Winefront
