The Vanguardist range represents the epitome of what we are about. Pushing the realms of standard winemaking to deliver intrigue, excitement and full recognition of this special and distinct terroir. Ultimate dedication to the craft of viticulture and winemaking, encapsulated in a bottle – through our lens.

SINGLE SITE: MOURVÈDRE SOURCED FROM BLEWITT SPRINGS, MCLAREN VALE


VINEYARD: 
At the core of our winemaking philosophy is a profound belief in the potential of Rhône varieties here in South Australia. This focus is an integral part of our master plan, guiding every step of our winemaking journey. This is the fourth iteration of this wine, and grown just a stone's throw away from the Vanguardist Grenache (Rende) site. We have become staunch advocates of the potential Mourvèdre, presented as a single variety, and how it is defined in the Australian terroir.

VINTAGE:
The season began under unsettled conditions, with significant rainfall and strong winds through flowering. As the season progressed, conditions shifted dramatically, turning dry and warm, with a notable February heatwave tightening the harvest window and intensifying fruit concentration.

Despite these challenges, the vintage has delivered wines with structure, depth, and impressive length, with Grenache and Syrah once again proving their ability to endure and excel.

HARVEST:
Hand harvested on the 14th March.

VINIFICATION:
Approximately one-third of the fruit was retained as whole bunches and was fermented gently for one month before drain and press. The wine was then matured for 18 months in two puncheons, one two years old and the other five years old, before being racked in early spring in preparation for bottling in December.

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Closure: DIAM Origine 10 
FS02: at bottling 23ppm
TSO2: 58ppm
pH: 3.78
TA: 5.9g/L
Alcohol: 13.6%
Bottle when empty: 450g

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DOWNLOAD PREVIOUS VINTAGE TECHNICAL SHEETS:

2022 Vanguardist Mourvèdre 
2021 Vanguardist Mourvèdre
2020  Vanguardist Mourvèdre

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THE WINE FRONT

One third whole bunch. Two puncheons, one two year old, the other five years old. From the Yangarra Vineyard, and I believe the last one from this site.

Plum, spices, floral notes, an earthy new leather guttural thing lends great appeal, black pepper, almond paste, some green herb, but such perfume! Medium-bodied, quite soft and nutty, dried herbs, some orange peel, sandy and suede-like tannin, with plenty of grip on the finish, closes with spice and perfume. Very good. Mataro fanciers will be well pleased.

95 POINTS
GARY WALSH

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HALLIDAY
The last year for fruit from this source in Blewitt Springs, with the Lennon vineyard likely filling the void. Anyway, this from a peerless source, fermented with about a third whole bunches and a month on skins, then pressed to a pair of puncheons, two and five years old. There was also a vintage skipped in '23, but there are clear echoes of the excellent '22. Blue fruits and florals, iodine, lilac, crème de violette, lavender, blackberry, saltbush, pepper, star anise, celery salt, a graphite mineral quality, cracked slate, something maritime, a winter oyster’s briny intensity. Umami notes, kombu and roasted nori. Bountiful, detailed, fine and unmistakably natural tannins complete an exceptional package.

96+ POINTS
MARCUS ELLIS