2022 Express Winemakers L'Orange

WINEMAKER: Ryan O'Meara
REGION: Great Southern, WA
VARIETAL: Riesling, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
VITICULTURE: Organic

The 2022 orange is a single vineyard wine from a little organic site in Frankland River—it’s 80% Riesling and 15% Semillon with just a smidge of skin-contact Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc. Each parcel was hand-picked, then partially destemmed to open fermenters. A portion (20%) was foot stomped. All parcels fermented on skins and pressing took place after around six to eight days. Maturationwas in a combination of stainless steel, concrete and mature oak. The 2022 has distinctive characters of white blossom and fresh citrus juice with some chalky tannin.

Ryan O'Meara is one of the nicest guys in wine. He also makes some of our favourite wine. Ryan currently leases and manages four* small vineyards in the Mount Barker and Porongurup sub-regions of the Great Southern. Organic farming without irrigation, no synthetic chemicals, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, these wines are alive, expressive and just an absolute pleasure.

*I think he's up to seven or eight now? Can't stop, won't stop.