Spring – Summer 2017 Newsletter

2017 marks the 25th vintage since Stephanie Toole took the helm at Mount Horrocks Wines. “I just can’t fathom where the years have gone – it seems like only yesterday that I was making my first wine. Seeing the wines improve each year has been exciting, challenging and very rewarding.”

This year’s harvest was later than in recent years, with hand picking of the riesling
fruit beginning on March 20. The remote, isolated Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling vineyard is in the
north-eastern corner of this famous Clare Valley subregion, planted on the very edge of the highly prized red soil over limestone, and surrounded by cattle grazing land. This ACO (Australian Certified Organic) vineyard produces beautifully balanced organic fruit, allowing Stephanie to make her wine without acid additions or the need for fining. The Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling is not only
vegan and vegetarian friendly (as are all her wines), it also has tremendous ageing potential. Perhaps more importantly, it is delicious now and drinking beautifully already.

Bright, pristine, lime-edged. Remarkably fragrant with lemongrass and fresh cut lime. Mineral-fresh, citrus toned, crisp and juicy – this is an outstanding, classic Clare Valley Riesling: pure and long. Combines delicacy with structure, the acid backbone signalling a long future ahead: 10-15 years at least.

PRAISE FOR THE 2016

The meticulously trained vineyards are all in their prime, and are the springboard for the equally meticulously made Mount Horrocks Rieslings. These are old money, and the wine is never less than great, its balance and length the keys for its long-term development as citrus takes on a slight honey edge, acidity the fulcrum for the change. 95 pts 5 glasses.

James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2018

This is an estate-grown, single-vineyard riesling from riesling heartland in Watervale, Clare Valley. Certified organic, it is a classic Clare riesling, aromatic with vibrant lemon and grapefruit pithiness, linear, slatey and with brilliant acid. It is also delicate and ethereal. No wonder it evaporated. Grab a case for Christmas drinking pleasure. 96 points.

Winsor Dobbin, Winsor’s Choice, winsordobbin.com.au

What would you like first? The good news or the bad?
Stephanie’s 2017 Cordon Cut is quite simply her best yet. Sadly there’s only half the normal
production, which means some people will most certainly miss out. The Mount Horrocks Auburn Vineyard normally supplies the Cordon Cut fruit, however frost damage to that site meant that this year the fruit came solely from the Watervale Vineyard. Picking continued through until May 15, with a little botrytis influence on the uncut fruit, the first time since 2011.

Consequently it is a bit lusher than the last couple of releases but still fresh and elegant. “It’s
more concentrated in part due to the extended time on vine and the touch of botrytis influence”
says Steph, “I believe it’s destined to be a classic.” Be sure to get in early with your order as this will sell out quick smart.

Bright pale white gold. Pretty floral, spice and lime juice aromatics, with an appealing touch of
fresh vanilla bean. Combines the intense flavour of the naturally raisined fruit with crisp acidity and minerality to deliver a delicious, refreshing sweet white that doesn’t cloy – it is vibrant, juicy and oh so
appealing. Will age for 10 plus years.

PRAISE FOR THE 2016

One of the great Australian sweet wines, from grapes grown to be sweet and rich. It sits in the mouth with freshness, and lingers impossibly long and with a kiss of honey. A beautiful way to finish a meal.

Mike Bennie, Delicious Magazine, May 2017

Stephanie has always been a lover of lunchtime rosé. A regular visitor to Europe, over the
years she has studied the finest she could discover around France. Her first release is modelled on the light, dry, savoury versions but with a freshness and purity of fruit rarely seen in Europe. The perfect afternoon tea tipple.

Taking shiraz fruit from the Alexander Vineyard, the juice is allowed a very short skin contact time where it picks up its beautiful blushing pink hue. Fermented to dryness, this wine tastes of Spring. Another small production that needs to be snapped up quick!

Delicate pink hue. Fragrant red berry fruits, florals and a touch of spice.
Light, tight, and bright, this is a tangy fresh, scintillating rose redolent in raspberry,
strawberry and red currant notes. Crunchy acidity leads to a lingering finish on a most vibrant wine. An ideal aperitif or alfresco wine to wet one’s whistle. Serve fresh from the chiller but not ice-cold so you may enjoy the fine fruit flavours.