Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese 2024

Perhaps the best perforning variety on the Fighting Gully road site. Mark has been involved with the growing and making of Sangiovese since the late 1980’s. After numerous trips to visit vineyards in Tuscany Mark decided that the shaley soils and mild climatic conditions at the Fighting Gully Road site were ideal for this variety. Grafted to the newest mix of clones the vines produce strongly flavoured and intensely aromatic wines; using a number of fermentation techniques to build structure and palate length while maintaining lifted varietal aromas of dark cherry and savoury dried herbs. 5% Colorino in the mix which is a classic Tuscan touch.

"Mark Walpole loves sangiovese and the feeling is reciprocated. This is a mighty strong follow-up to the '23, fairly bristling in cherry-fruited and aromatic brightness and crunch in youth, with an underlying brooding quality that says, 'just wait.' A smidge (5%) of the Tuscan colorino red grape adds to the iridescence of the cherry red, bright hues. Aromas rise in wild raspberries, red cherries, plum, florals, cumin, fennel seed, red earth and spice. The palate is nicely weighted, with brisk acid crunch, and is both upbeat and alive in spiced cherry, red fruits and an underlying savouriness of Campari, dried herbs, licorice and mineral earthiness. Potential? You bet!" 96pts | Jeni Port | Halliday Wine Companion

No insecticides are used and fungicide selection is careful made to protect predatory mites and other beneficial insects. Soil structure is maintained through minimal application of herbicide; soil cultivation is not practiced. The inter-row is sown to a permanent sward of grasses and legumes, which are seasonally slashed and thrown onto the ground immediately under the vine, to preserve moisture and increase organic matter. Vine prunings are mulched back into the ground to degrade naturally.