Wombat Creek Vineyard is the highest altitude vineyard in the Yarra Valley, making it an ideal location for the production of extreme cool climate wines. The vineyard was originally planted in 1988 with the intention of producing base wine for sparkling production but over the years has been gradually transitioned to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for table wine. The underlying ferrous (red) based volcanic soil and rock produce a distinctively soft yet long and firm palate that contrasts with the finer palates seen from the nearby Applejack Vineyard (basalt based volcanic). This vineyard produces wonderfully exotic Pinot Noir, with a savoury and spicey side.
Picked in one (very small) parcel, the fruit was chilled then 2% was destemmed in the base of an oak vat to commence a “Pied de Cuve” ferment. The vat was then filled to the brim with whole bunches and closed up to allow carbonic fermentation to occur. After fermentation had begun, daily delestage by gravity was performed for cap management. Occasional foot stomps were done to release a little more juice into the ferment and to extend the time on skins. Pressed after two weeks to new and used 228L tight grain French barriques for eight months – 20% new, 80% older. Bottled by gravity with no fining or filtration.
