2022 Gemini Alhena

WINEMAKER: Simon Amber
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
VITICULTURE: Organic

"I haven't seen Alhena since 2020, and back then it was a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today Alhena is vastly different in terms of varieties but still holds true to the essence of that wine. The cinnamon sparkle of Pinot Gris is held firm by the deep, sultry richness of Chardonnay. Two elements at play that were there back in 2020. Both varieties are direct pressed which for me consists of crushing by foot, leaving the fruit for a few hours or, in the case of the gris, sometimes overnight, and then pressing slowly over 5 or 6 hours. The wine is then aged in barrel for around 1 year and left untopped (which creates the orange hue due to oxidation) before being blended, bottled, and aged in bottle for a further 2 years." - Simon

After years of working with the legendary Tim and Monique at Manon, Simon now makes his own wine out of the same shed as the wonderful Travis Tausend. Legends left, right and centre, really. Organic fruit, zero adds, pure and ethereal wines. A winemaker to watch!