2022 Momento Mori Nazomi Rosé
WINEMAKER: Dane & Hannah Johns
REGION: Heathcote, VIC
VARIETY: Schioppettino, Syrah, Vermentino
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
‘Nazomi’ .. Another new cuvée for 2022. This one is a blend of Schioppettino and Syrah rosé with just a splash of Vermentino culminating in a very drinkable rosé-esque wine. The fruit for this one also grown on the lower slopes of the Mt Camel vineyard. These varieties on the lower slopes have their roots firmly planted in the deep red volcanic loam as opposed to the rockier natured soil at the top of the slope.
With this cuvée each variety was fermented separately in a mix of stainless-steel vessels and ceramic egg. Again, using the semi-liquid-carbonic maceration I have developed over many years. The final blend was made up at the end of spring after the wines had rested in their respective vessels over Autumn and Winter.
This is one of my favourite wines from the stellar set of 2022’s. It’s very refined, very clean but with loads of complexity and character as well. The term “energy” is thrown around a lot in wine talk but for me that “energy” comes from wines that have not been overhandled. This wine (as with all of the wines) was only racked once to blend prior to bottling and retains a lot of that energy. The resulting wine is very poised, structured and energetic. It seems light, laser focused and fresh whilst still having a good amount of complex fruith with a super vibrant acidity.
New Zealander Dane Johns worked many years as a barista in Melbourne where he learned about roasting, the nuances of blending & flavour infusion. The formative years ahead of his vinous endeavours. After getting a passion for wine, Dane decided to gain winemaking experience by working several vintages with the innovative Adam Marks at Bress Winery, Central Victoria & famed Bill Downie in Gippsland.
He then headed to Europe to work with more of the wineries that he admired, absorbing their knowledge like a sponge. Dane’s passion for wine grew & after some time working in wine retail he took the plunge to release his first wines under the Momento Mori label. Singular, considered & pure. These are serious wines by a seriously passionate vigneron.