Australian Wine Companion 2018 Edition

Posted 15 August 2017

James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2018 Edition, 01 Aug 2017

91 points - 2016 Hedonist Sangiovese Rose

Hand-picked in the early morning, crushed, 3 hours on skins before gentle pressing, cool-fermented in stainless steel. Very pale pink; the ever-moving bouquet throws up rose petals, apricot kernels (the Clappis descriptive touchstone for the bouquet and palate) and citrus-tinged acidity on the fresh, ultra-light and dry finish.

94 points - 2015 Hedonist Tempranillo

Includes 4% grenache, open-fermented, pumped over twice daily, 10-day ferment, pressed to used French hogsheads for 10 months maturation. Although the vines are young (7yo), this suggests the site has great potential. There is truly lovely cherry fruit on the fresh light to medium-bodied palate thanks in part to the controlled alcohol; the finish has gently savoury tannins that tie the parcel up ever so neatly.

91 points - 2015 Hedonist Sangiovese

Crushed and destemmed, twice daily pumpovers for 8 days, then one daily for the next 6 weeks, 70% matured in used French hogsheads, 30% in tank, for 7 months. Neatly handled.

91 points - 2015 Hedonist Shiraz

From the estate bio-certified vineyard at Willunga, picked over 3 weeks commencing 19 Feb, open-fermented, thence to 20% new French and used French and American hogsheads for 12 months. Rich, full-bodied and full-flavoured.