Andrew Murray 'Esperance', Santa Ynez Valley 2020

The Curtis vineyard is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, which has a distinctive topography due to the transverse mountain ranges, cool coastal climate and ancient sea-bed soils. The ranges funnel cool, coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, and these daily breezes are a defining feature of the microclimate, moderating the daytime temperatures and creating an ideal climate for Rhône varieties. Described as a ‘viticultural region on the edge’, the extended growing season lasts from February to November, and results in concentrated flavour development. The cordon-pruned vines are cultivated according to sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming principles. Practices include attention to soil structure and cover crops to reduce soil erosion, use of plant extracts for controlling pests and mildew, and introducing microorganisms into the soil to encourage nutrients. The soils consist of sand, gravel and a tiny bit of loam, which naturally reduces vigour in the vines. 100% manual harvesting at night.

Vinified with a mix of whole cluster and destemmed fruit in small, open top vats. Careful extraction techniques, mostly manual punchdowns and no more than twice daily, were used. A short pre-fermentation maceration took place prior to fermentation at modest temperatures lasting up to two weeks. The free-run and press wine were separated after gentle pressing, the press wine was blended in depending on phenolic and tannic balance. Malolactic conversion took place naturally in barrels during the 18-month barrel ageing period.