Almost exclusively estate-grown fruit from Charles Melton’s Krondorf, Rowland Flat and Lyndoch blocks contributed to the 2021 La Belle Mere. A small percentage of the ferment underwent whole-bunch fermentation. The wine pressed into mainly second-use oak (just 5% new) post-ferment to mature on lees, with regular bâtonnage for 28 months.

2022

“f you’re wondering what the ‘R’ is in this blend, me too. Dear reader, it’s riesling! In fact, this is a blend of 46.2/45.3/4.6/3.9% grenache/shiraz/riesling/mataro. I like this idea and it’s nothing new, providing a little velocity and floral cut to a wine without reaching for a bag of acid. It’s vibrant and plummy, spice is plentiful and there are some lovely blossomy notes and some nice snap to the acid profile. I like this.” 92 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

2021

“A delicious rendition of juicy Barossa grenache/shiraz/mataro, a style that has blossomed over the past 10 to 20 years, here gaining an extra degree in an excellent vintage. Winemaker Charlie Melton has been a leader of the pack from the start.” 96 points, James Halliday Awards Top Rated, Halliday Wine Companion