Tar and Roses “The Fog” Heathcote Nebbiolo 2021

The vineyard of Tar and Roses had been a project built by late Don Lewis, partnering with Narelle King. They pioneered in Heathcote the passion for Italian and Iberian grape varieties. Don past away in 2017, left behind a mighty legacy.  That is many drinker’s fondness of peculiar taste in wines.

A vineyard of Mt. Camel range on the ancient red Cambrian soil had been the source of Nebbiolo fruit of 2021 vintage. Fruit was machine harvested and crushed to a small open fermenter then hand plunged three times a day. After approximately 10 days of fermentation, it was pressed to tank using a gentle air bag press. During which time the temperature and acid levels were monitored and adjusted as necessary. The wine was racked off gross lees directly to barrel to finish malolactic fermentation and mature in older used barriques for 18 months.

Fresh cherries & cranberry intertwine in this young wine. Dried herb, rose, anise & earthy clay appear with a touch of kirsch all supported by fine, structured tannins & fresh acidity. With time, expect to see more bottle age characters develop floral notes accompanied by more tar-like characters with hints of leather and cranberry.