2017 Port Phillip Salasso Rose, Mornington Peninsula

93 points Gary Walsh The Wine Front 

This Rosé was made from estate grown Pinot Noir and Shiraz grapes.

September was very cold and wet and the predicted La Niña did not eventuate.Cold weather continued throughout October and November therefore allowing the soils to remain cool for longer than usual, resulting in a flowering period which was almost twice as long as usual. There was some reduction in fruit-set that resulted in lower than average yields.

Throughout the growing season disease pressure was quite high. While the season presented us with challenges, the diligence and hard work of the viticultural team ensured the health of our vineyards. We continue to produce our estate made compost and our fungal compost tea. Our knowledge of our properties continues to evolve, providing a strong foundation for future years.

Mild conditions and the occasional rain storm lengthened the harvest period. Picking concluded mid-April, for some of our blocks this was the latest they had been picked in over a decade. The wines are showing a finesse and coolness from the longer growing season, with great acidity and bright flavours.  

The fruit was whole bunch pressed and fermentation commenced spontaneously with ambient yeasts in a mix of old French oak barriques, large-format foudre and concrete tank. Once dry, the wine was left sur lie for several months prior to bottling.

The pinky salmon orange colour of the 2017 Salasso Rose indicates the stylish wine to follow – Notes of turkish delight strawberry, musk-sticks  and seductive florals that are complemented by cardamom spice and candied orange peel. The cooler season has delivered a palate with cranberry-like acidity and a slight creaminess from the barrel ageing. More citrus on the palate that leads to a dry, spice laden finish.

12.5%