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2018 Fruit Day Malbec

This quality wine was produced on a certified Biodynamic, Carbon Neutral and naturally powered estate. 2018 was a vintage unparalleled in quality since many years. The single barrel of 2018 Malbec producing only 25 dozen is an artisanal masterpiece from a great vintage. A tribute to the Malbec variety in Wilyabrup Margaret River and to that quality. The malbec came from the Cullen vineyard planted in 1978 40 years old this vintage. The grapes were harvested at a yield of 7.94 tons per hectare on a fruit day. Crushed directly to amphora and left there for 60 days on skins before being pressed and left to rest for 3 months in one year old oak. Stunning example of the variety.

240 bottles produced

Vintage Notes

2018 Vintage report

Growing season conditions:

During the growing season, traditional wet weather conditions prevailed through the winter months. Rainfall was close to 20% above 15 year average. 565mm, average 474mm.

Spring/Summer conditions:

Great spring conditions for the dry grown estate, good soil moisture reserves, followed by warm and dry conditions in November contributed to excellent conditions for flowering and fruit-set. This also contributed to healthy canopy growth and good shoot extension, leading into the summer months. 20% below average rainfall. 148mm, average 187mm.

Summer/Harvest conditions:

The beginning of summer set the vines up well for the remainder of the season. Average temperatures through December and above average rainfall allowed for canopies to continue to function well, soil moisture reserves to be kept up and berry development to remain on track.

The remaining months of summer, January and February, leading into the 2018 vintage had temperatures which were below average, however this allowed for very effective photosynthesis within the canopies and consistent even ripening of the fruit. The vines were not impacted by any severe heat or moisture stress. Average daily maximums through January and February were 25 degrees, 1 to 2 degrees below average, and only 5 days above 30 degrees.

Yields:

Healthy, balanced yields (average to above average) were experienced across all varieties which was helped by the late spring conditions. The moderate temperatures through the summer provided for excellent fruit composure, with great intensity of flavor.

Stand out varieties:

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon (exceptional), Malbec & Merlot. Excellent vintage for concentration, balance and perfume.

Winemaker Notes

VINEYARD : Cullen vineyard

VARIETIES: Malbec

HARVEST: 3rd March on a Fruit Day

OAK: 3 Months in one year old French oak

ALCOHOL: 13%

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep mulberry with purple tinges Cellar: Drink now but will age beautifully Bouquet: Perfumed mulberry, plum, violets and rose with good quality dark chocolate Food: Beetroot risotto Palate: Purity, perfection, balance.
Plum, mulberry, chocolate, rose, violets. Incredible balance, poise and charm. Explosion of fruit backed by fine tannins and extraordinary length and persistence. Flavours keep going on and on vibrating the aliveness of a great malbec
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