2020 Frederick Stevenson Morbinos
WINEMAKER: Steve Crawford
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Malvasia Istriana, Malvasia Bianca, Vermentino
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
Morbinos -> crazy (in a lively and fun sense) in Friulano direct of Italian. Picked during the lock downs at Parish Hill, Adelaide Hills Malvasia Istriana - 46% Malvasia Bianca - 39% Vermentino - 15% On skins for 4-5 days. Pressed to older oak, left undisturbed for 9 months. 1 month in stainless prior to bottling.
Idea is to be textural and accentuate the fruit characters of the Malvasia without venturing into orange / dried out territory. Passionfruit, green mango, exotic spices, scotch finger biscuits (buttery dough), lemon curd, nougat & citrus oil. Oily upfront, into sweeter fruit, w spiced tannin and fresh / race acid. Textural w a nice long finish. Malvasia Bianca brings the racey acid and sweet tropical fruit spectrum. A loud guy at the party. Malvasia Istriana is a bit more of a wall flower, takes a fair bit longer to get to know, but is interesting and layered.
Steve Crawford started his Barossa label under the pseudonym of Frederick Stevenson whilst working at a larger winery. One of the nicest guys in wine that continues to impress each and every year.