2022 - Valentine - Chenin Blanc

Our first crop of Chenin Blanc of considerable volume – again, these vines were rehabilitated by us starting in the pruning seasons of 2019 and 2020. The rugged converted bush vines from which this fruit came ably withstood the onslaught of heat that the Swan Valley experienced from late November 2021 onward, and produced some intensely concentrated fruit.

Picked January 23rd, crushed the day after, free run transferred directly to 4 seasoned oak barriques (thanks Cullen), pressings to tank for a cheeky little number we made for Besk (more on that later). Wild ferment in the barriques, quite warm as is our want, the wine ambled through to dryness in about two and half weeks. Topped up and stacked away for élevage, with intermittent lees stirring over the next six months (roughly once a month, though

realistically whenever we remembered). All four barriques were tasted at the end of July, and two were chosen as standouts. All of Barrique #04 (225Lt), and half of Barrique #15 (112.5lt) were expertly racked to tank on August 21st by Chuckie, proud father of the wine’s namesake.

Bottled August 27th with no additions.