"The Grace Madeline is the name of Diana Madeline’s mother, who was born in London in 1895 and died in Tasmania in 1963. She was an inspirational suffragette and nature photographer. This wine is made from 100% Cullen Vineyard sauvignon blanc and semillon vines planted in 1976-1988. The vines are planted on their own roots and certified biodynamic and carbon neutral.
The fruit is low yielding and comes from 7 different blocks of sauvignon blanc grown on lyre and Scott Henry trellising. The grapes were harvested on mainly fruit and one flower day with some skin contact to give phenolic tension. A portion has been fermented in the concrete egg, with 74% of the sauvignon blanc aged in biodynamic barrels for 6 months."
Winemaker's notes
"Unbelievably restrained with its flavour profile, nothing tropical here, and it’s so racy and tight it leaves a smoke trail in its wake. Very youthful with some citrus and coriander, lemon barley water and a briny character; all appealing and the fruit has soaked up the new oak easily. This will only get better in time."
95 points - James Halliday's Wine Companion