Blackenbrook Pinot Blanc 2020

This is only the second edition of the Blackenbrook Pinot Blanc and it shows without doubt the vineyard site is perfect for extracting the very best from the variety. The beautiful, weighty texture on the palate hints at the intensity of flavour to come, flavours that reflect the aromas. The flavours are mouth-wateringly delicious flavours and are balanced with a touch of freshness. For me the key things that points to this variety being part of the Pinot family are the hints of Pinot Gris with the phenolics in the Pinot Blanc variety create a significant difference making it a delightful wine. There are intriguing liquorice-like characters in the very long finish that add to the complexity. This is a five star wine and one that will certainly find itself attached to my credit card and a place in our cellar. Winemaker Daniel Schwarzenback said "the fruit came in really ripe, just amazing. The variety has big  bunches, it's a heavy cropper so needs to be managed well in the vineyard. We fermented it in stainless steel with no oak or barrel ferment, no lees stirring but we added back a small amount of last year’s vintage that has been stored on old, neutral barrels and that brings some texture to the party. Because we only have one vineyard site we don’t have the benefit of blending wines from different vineyards so we create those blends in the winery by retaining a small amount for blending back next year. 220 cases produced Vegan Certified