It’s time to rack the wine out of barrel for the first time.

And for the first time there is a tank available which is big enough to blend everything together.

Just big enough!!

The wine looked fabulous – great colour after a 30ppm SO₂ addition. We were very happy with the depth of fruit, and the range of flavours from red fruits through blue and dark fruits, earthiness and liquorice. The oak is just starting to show, and suits the wine well.

The barrels were hot water washed, but there were very few lees.

They were then refilled, with plenty of dry ice.

The next racking is scheduled for November, and we’ll resist the temptation to take another look until then!