2025 Vanguardist LA CÔTE Riesling

INSPIRED BY THE FLORA & FAUNA THAT THRIVE IN THIS VINEYARD. THIS COLLECTION CELEBRATES TERROIR, ITS UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM & THE VIGNERON’S CRAFT.
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SINGLE SITE: HARPER & DICKSON VINEYARD, CLARE VALLEY

NAME:
La Côte, meaning “The Slope”, pays homage to the vineyard’s steep east-facing aspect, capturing the essence of its hillside site and the character it imparts to the wine.

VINEYARD:
Situated in a triangle that flanks the Watervale, Penwortham and Skilly Valley subregions of the Clare Valley. Its elevated slope takes full advantage of sunlight and natural drainage.

VINTAGE OVERVIEW:
The 2025 vintage presented significant challenges, with frosts events affecting much of the Clare Valley. This vineyard faired better than most, though the subtle effects of frost are still evident. Handpicking and meticulous vineyard sorting allows us to exercise our exacting standards of quality control, ensuring only the finest fruit makes it into the wine. The resulting grapes are concentrated and expressive, carrying the character of the site with clarity and precision.

A dry winter and early spring led to advance budburst. Dry and warm summer continued with little reprieve for these dry grown own-rooted vines.

HARVEST & VINIFICATION:

• Harvest Date: Hand-picked in the cool morning hours of 8th February.
• Crushing: Foot-crushed as whole bunches and held on skins for several hours before pressing.
• Fermentation: Roughly racked into ⅓ Hungarian Amphora, ⅓ new Austrian Foudre and ⅓ stainless steel tank. Natural fermentation took place at temperatures between 10-13°C.
• Post-Fermentation: The parcels were held on gross lees where natural malolactic fermentation occurred during the winter months.

TASTING NOTES:
BOTANIC wines showcase the refinement and complexity of fruit and a clear expression of terroir.

• Profile & Structure: Notes of brown lime, elderflower, and honeycomb are lifted by bright mineral acidity, complemented by a delicate thread of fine tannin. Richness and creamy mouthfeel are enhanced by extended lees contact and 100% malolactic fermentation.
• Aging: Gracefully for the next decade
• Classification: Organic (not certified), Vegan Friendly, Natural ferments, No acid or other additions

Closure: DIAM ORIGINE 3 (44x24mm)
FSO2 at bottling: 15ppm
TSO2: 48ppm
pH: 3.07, TA: 6.3g/L
Alcohol: 10.7%
Bottle when empty: 405g