Description
Varietal: 52% Roussanne, 27% Chenin
Blanc, 11% Verdelho, 10% Viognier
Rootstock: Richter 110
Fruit source: from Jan Lui’s Field vineyard on our own Oude Nektar farm
Yield: 7.0 tons/hectare
°B at harvest: 21.5-22.5°
Alcohol: 13.5%
Age of vines: 17 years
Trellis: 5-wire vsp
Irrigation: drip irrigation
Vineyard elevation: 200m
Details of vinification and oaking:
We have one block on the farm that is quite different from all the other blocks. Because it sits at the bottom of a steep slope, as well as being
very close to a river, it has a number of different geological influences: there are multiple soil types in this small block. Faced with this difficult
situation, we tried to turn it into a positive and decided to plant a mix of varieties that could be picked together to make up one wine. In 2025, most of the grapes were picked in multiple passes. It was then pressed and co-fermented together. The juice was barrel fermented in neutral oak — just a small percentage (±5%) of new oak was used. It was aged for 9 months in barrel and tank with regular lees stirring.
Vintage report:
The long wet winter was followed by a temperate growing season. Persistent winds during flowering led to a slight drop in yields, but lower yields meant looser bunches which helped keep disease pressure low. The canopies showed robust growth with healthy foliage, protecting grapes from excessive sun exposure. Pre-harvest was dry and moderate, allowing for slow ripening resulting in enhanced aromatics.
