White 2006
3 Amigos Marsanne Chardonnay Rousanne 2006
Vineyards
The primo amigo in this trio is marsanne, grown at the McLeod Creek and Calgardup Brook vineyards. Chardonnay is sourced from Rocky Road and the third amigo, rousanne, is grown at McLeod Creek. These vineyards lie in the southern half of the Margaret River wine region which has a strong maritime influence from the Great Southern Ocean.
The vines have their roots in gravel loams derived from granite. These free draining, moderately fertile soils facilitate growth without excessive vigour and ripen the grapes to perfection.
All vines on the McHenry Hohnen vineyards are grown on a single bilateral cordon with a vertically trained canopy. It is a simple and practical format that maximises light penetration and maintains a balanced vine.
Vinification
Grapes are harvested in the cool of the night and following whole berry pressing, the juice is settled, and then run into barrels for the primary fermentation. Some batches are inoculated with yeast whilst others are left to proceed with a natural fermentation. The finished wine is left on spent yeast cells until the blend is assembled and bottled in late summer.
Tasting Notes by Freya Hohnen and Ryan Walsh
This elegant wine has a subtle nose of dried apricot and apple, underplayed with spice and vanilla seed. The palate is finely textured, derived from indigenous ferment in barrel, whilst lees contact provides palate weight and richness. The cooler 2006 vintage gave all three varieties balanced natural acid.
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