2023 Charteris ‘Le Fauve’ Pinot Gris

For the third year running NSW was impacted a strong La Nina weather pattern with a cooler and wetter growing season and summer than the long-term trend shows. The key phenological development stages for the vineyards across NSW were well behind usual and the result was a very nervous period in the lead up to harvest. Ripening was very slow and prolonged across the high country, but this has given us some great depth of flavour combined with excellent acidity resulting in flavoursome yet vibrant wines. 

 In a cool season like 22/23 you have time for Pinot Gris grapes to develop good flavour while retaining pristine acidity. While the growing season was not without its challenges it has delivered some excellent balance. Hand picking and whole bunch pressing has ensured we have minimised phenolic extraction and maintained the delicate floral characters we prize in cool climate Pinot Gris. The Heifer Station Vineyard is very adept at producing grapes of the quality that we desire. When you have dirt like this you can keep the winemaking simple giving an opportunity for the vines to speak clearly. – PJ Charteris