The Field of Mars Collection

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Semillon Block 2a 2017

Variety:   100% Semillon

Region:    Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard: Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine age: Vines planted in 1968

Tasting Note 

This tiny 0.25 hectare Block 2a vineyard planted in 1968, is a real treasure - year-on-year these Semillon vines produce exceptional varietal expression. The deep alluvial sand is key to preserving the grape's elegance and intensity, also enabling the juice to hold a natural core freshness, low pH and bright acidity.

Vintage: Summer weather was stable, hot and dry, with good soil moisture in the deep sands of this old silty riverbed. The tiny old-vine block was hand harvested slightly later than usual on 24th January.

Aromas are tightly wound and intense: Meyer-lemon and golden-apple, hints of fine green-herb, citrus-curd with zesty freshness.

The palate flavours are concentrated with tightly-coiled juiciness: green and yellow citrus flavours with classic zest intensity and bright energy, line and length lifted by delicious juicy acidity. A slightly chalky, minerally lip-smacking mix giving perfect youthful balance with potential for long term cellaring.

Drink: Now - 2036+

Limited Release - only 162 dozen made.

James Halliday 96 points, Huon Hooke 96 points
 

162 dozen made
       

Technical Data
Alcohol:   10.4%
pH             3.01
TA             6.6

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Chardonnay Block 6 2017

Variety:   100% Chardonnay

Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:  Vines planted in 1968

Tasting Note                                              

Close planted in 1968, this dry farmed Chardonnay vineyard is a rarity, particularly planted with ‘Busby clone P58’, recognised amongst the strongest Chardonnay clones. Our vines are grown in the deep alluvial powdery sands, on a tiny 0.25 hectare plot, producing incredibly intense fruit characters.

Colour: straw green with pastel yellow flecks.

Aroma: bold expressions of fully-ripe stone fruits, citrus and pineapple. Barrel fermented with wild yeast adds a soft aromatic wash of warm nougat and fine vanilla.

Palate: the Chardonnay signatures are focused, holding your attention with an unwavering juicy core of nectarine, golden pineapple, citrus and melon, matched equally with deluxe barrel, cashew like creaminess and fig-savouriness throughout. These flavours are complex, also showing elaborate highlights of struck-flint, gun-smoke and nougat; these notes adding beautiful flair as they build in the glass. The unity and focus of these elements is secured with a bright line of acidity, with a tangy freshness and great aging potential.

Cellaring potential: Keep it if you can, beyond 10 years.

157 dozen made

James Halliday 95 points, Huon Hooke 96 points                                                                                                       

Technical Data

Alcohol:  13.0%

pH:         3.22

TA:          6.8

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Shiraz Block 1 2017

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:      Pokolbin Hunter Valley

Vineyard:   Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:   Vines planted in 1968

Tasting Note

Block 1 is a mature low yielding vineyard delivering outstanding Shiraz, grown in deep clay soils, planted in 1968.

Colour: deep, dense, red and jet-black with a bright crimson rim.

Aroma: rich and complex, filling the glass with decadent black fruit power, dense cassis-like black cherry, lifted with juniper, sweet-currant and fresh quince, then heady hints of black pepper, clove, violet and mocha oak-spice.

Concentrated without being heavy, the palate captures mouth-filling blackberry power and depth, underpinned by gentle tannins which carry the momentum and deliver extra spiced layers of bramble and olive. This solid black fruit commands with terrific length, harmonising with French oak to amplify the volume and build a plush espresso-like crema onto the finish.

Drink: Now- 2035+

Limited Release – only 161 dozen made.

James Halliday 96 points

Technical Data

Alcohol:   14 %

pH:         3.37

TA:          7.2