A Library Wine with a Growing Legacy

The 2018 Mistral is a striking vintage that showcases the exceptional aging potential of our signature blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Though still evolving, this library wine offers a glimpse into the future of this extraordinary blend, with its growing complexity and balance. Drawing inspiration from the Rhne Valleys finest, the 2018 vintage exhibits the elegance and richness that will only deepen with time. A rare opportunity to enjoy a wine that is still in its journey, yet already showing remarkable depth and promise.

50% Viognier, 40% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne

This Frenchie is grown on the hottest block of pure gravel and sand at an extremely low yield. A blockbuster with off-the-charts aromas of apricot, exotic fruit and lemon verbena that will age beautifully, but given its flamboyance we predict you will have enjoyed it long before then. Great depth and richness enchanted by aromas reminiscent of a hot summer walk through a Mediterranean herb garden. The creamy mouth filling texture is followed by a long lasting and spicy finish. Heaven!

Vintage 2018

The chilly Mistral blows during the warm parts of the growing season in the French Rhone valley, the native home of these powerful and aromatic grapes varieties. It is cooling down the vines, helping the grapes to retain acidity through the hot summers. The grape prefers warmer environments and a long growing season but dont do well with heat. What the Mistral is for the Rhone Valley, the cool nights are doing in Marlborough. These fickle, natural low yielding varieties love to sunbath on one our hottest block in sandy/ gravelly soils and able to cool down in the night. The ideal warm and long growing season of 2018 rewarded us with beautiful healthy grapes, picked at perfect physiologic ripeness at an extremely low yield of 500g/vine.

Hans’ Winemaking Comments

‘Only such impeccable clean fruit benefits from a cold maceration (extended skin contact) to extract compounds from the fruit flesh, pulp, skins and seeds into the must for a fruitforward and complex wine with increased aromatic and colour intensity (imperfect grapes would result in defected aromas and funky smelling). The must of the Marsanne/ Roussanne then went through a long, cool wild yeast co-fermentation in a 500l puncheon followed by a natural malolactic fermentation. All three wines were blended after the natural fermentation to mature in two 500l French oak puncheons on its fine lees for 18 months. No fining and no filtering to maintain its purity and flavours. Vegan wine.’

Tasting Notes

A white powerhouse! The richness, structure, spice and great acidity of the Marsanne and Roussanne compliment the exuberant fruit intensity and roundness of the Viognier creating a full-bodied wine that is packed with apricots, white florals and Mediterranean herbs. This complex blend has a refreshing mineral backbone with the texture of silk. The magnificent depth and richness is followed by a long lasting smooth finish that keeps on giving.

Technical Data

Variety 50% Viognier, 30% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne, Rootstock 101-14, RG Vines Planted Viognier, 1996, Marsanne & Roussanne, 2007 Soil Shallow (<45cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil, developed from stony alluvium Plant Density 5,500 vines/ha Yield 2t/ha Alcohol 14% Residual Sugar <1g/L Ageing Potential Up to 10 years Bottles Produced 742

Food Matching Suggestion

Well suited to rich seafood and fish dishes, Asian style pork, goat cheese and chicken.

Industry Reviews

The Real Review 96 points

A blend of 50% viognier, 40% marsanne and 10% roussanne. A very textural white wine with good weight and mouth-feel. ‘Sunny’ flavours including peach, apricot and vanilla. A very appealing wine that is straight out of the Rhne. Bob Campbell

James Suckling – 94 points

‘A blend of viognier, marsanne and roussanne, showing dried-pineapple, sliced-mango and dried-apple character. Lightly oily. Dried-fruit flavors. Flavorful and delicious. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.’