Established:  1984.

Production:  A mere (some would say tiny) 2.8 hectares or seven acres, planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a small amount of Gamay, amounting to around 850 cases.

Release prices: From $35 to $55.

Overview:  Very much a passion and lifestyle choice by former educators David and Wendy Lloyd, who’s previous occupations belie a genuine and impressive

experience of winegrowing and making.  The Lloyds purchased the property in 1995 and have transformed it into something of a boutique specialist, making a varying range of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays (presently three of each) as well as a rare, high-quality (at least in Australian terms) Gamay.

Vineyards:

There are five clones of Pinot Noir planted - MV6, G5V15, 114, 115 and 777, and five clones of Chardonnay - I10V5, G9V5, 96, P58 and I10V1.  The newer clones were grafted on to existing vines.  The vines are trellised to a variant of Scott Henry, to best achieve balance between the soil, rainfall and climate in order to produce high-quality fruit.  Vine spacing is 3m x 1m.  Minimal sprays are utilised (Copper, Sulphur and Potassium Carbonate primarily) but the approach is to spray as required, so varies considerably one season to the next.

Yields are approximately three tonnes to the hectare, or around 18hl/ha.  The vineyard is planted on 200 million year-old tertiary, duplex red soils composed of volcanic bassalt.

Winemaking:

The whites are whole-bunch pressed in a pneumatic press, the Fumé fermented in stainless steel and the Chardonnays fermented in barrel, of which 50% are new.  The Pinot Noirs are 100% destemmed, and not crushed prior to fermentation (whole berry fermentation).  It is given four days or pre-ferment maceration, and only wild yeasts are utilised.

Wines:

Pf Sparkling (Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier)

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Chardonnay

‘North Patch’ Chardonnay

‘Clone 96’ Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

Click here for tasting notes.