2025 threw a new and different challenge our way with a record-breaking frost dropping our yield and delaying ripening. But with new challenges come new adventures, as it resulted in us creating this lovely little field blend of Cabernet Franc, Mencia and Merlot. This complex example was barrel fermented in French oak resulting in a deeply textured wine showing a wonderful dark peach colour, continuing this theme with delicate white peach along with red fruit aroma and a fruity, slightly sweet palate.

Earth & Vine

The grapes Cabernet Franc for this rosé was grown on our little estate amongst the gum trees. An incredibly cold frost hit on the 17th of September, remaining below -3deg for multiple hours, and burnt our entire vineyard. After patiently waiting for a low-yielding second crop, we reallocated Mencia and Merlot to rosé, along with the usual Cabernet Franc, knowing the later ripening would be perfectly suited to a rosé style of wine. With yields less than half of what we normally expect, the small crop held out beautifully through a mild summer, for a late-March havest.

In the Winery

A gently touch was required with light basket pressing into French oak Hogsheads for ferment. The temperature was controlled at 13-14 degrees for the duration of the 22 day ferment. The ferment was stopped leaving a touch of sweetness, and bottled on our estate.

Out of the Bottle

While staying true to our normal rosé style, the 2025 Rosé shows more red fruits and a slightly pinker hue than usual thanks to the Mencia and Merlot contribution. As always it is designed for afternoons on a summer's day!