2024 Lark Hill Estate Sangiovese, Canberra District

Lark Hill was established in 1978 by Sue and Dave Carpenter on the escarpment above Bungendore, 30km northeast of Canberra. Their home vineyard features shallow soils of depleted shale and at 860m elevation is one of the highest vineyards in NSW. A second vineyard in Murrumbateman was purchased in 2011. Sitting at 600m elevation and featuring deep granite soils, it has expanded Lark Hill’s grape variety palette considerably. Both vineyards hold biodynamic certification.

Good winter rainfall preceded a hot and dry start to the 2024 vintage before a severe frost wiped out a third of the region’s budding crop in October. The rains and storms that followed continued until early February and yet well-tended vineyards were able to harvest high-quality grapes.

The fruit for the Sangiovese is sourced from Lark Hill’s Dark Horse vineyard in Murrumbateman, planted to a mix of Mat6 and Coriole clones. Partial whole bunch fermentation with wild yeasts, with the balance crushed on top of the bunches in the ferment. Maturation takes place in well-seasoned French oak barrels.

Opens with fragrant aromas of cherries and red berries with a dusting of dried Mediterranean herbs and green peppercorn. The palate is light to medium-bodied with juicy red fruits, fine tannins and fresh acidity driving a savoury finish.

Drink now or in a couple of years’ time. Benefits from a light chill and a quick decant to allow the fruit to express itself. Good company to an Italianate spread, red braised pork belly or agedashi eggplant with shiso and grated daikon.