Kalleske Wines
The Kalleske family have been farming and growing grapes on the same property since 1853 near the village of Greenock. From seven generations of Barossa viticulturalists, Troy and Tony Kalleske have formed their eponymous wine brand. All the fruit is sourced from their certified organic and biodynamic, low yielding and sustainable vineyards. Kalleske wines are handcrafted using traditional winemaking techniques-small batches, open fermenters, wild yeast and basket pressing. With some of the vines more than 135 years old, Kalleske wines are pure expressions of the dry grown vineyards and the sub region of Greenock. Their wines have a true ‘sense of place’ allowing the vineyard sites to shine through.
Vintage 2020 has delivered wines of amazing quality. However, quantity is very limited, with it being one of the lowest grape yields ever in the Barossa at around 50% of average. Yields were dire due to a combination of early mild frost conditions, then a notably windy period (45% windier) around flowering leading to poor set (not many berries) followed by some hot days in November and an overall dry growing season (34% down). Notably, quality is of the highest echelon with intense and balanced flavours.
Vineyard:
Elenore is from a single vineyard of Semillon on the Kalleske property that was planted in 1980. The old vines are low yielding and soil is shallow sand with clay subsoil.
Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested on February 26th. They were then pressed and the juice was briefly settled prior to racking to fermentation. The juice was entirely wild fermented with native yeast and portions of the ferment were undertaken in seasoned French oak hogsheads, concrete egg tank and stainless steel tank. Partial lees stirring was employed post fermentation for added texture and complexity. After six months maturation in these vessels, the wine was blended and bottled.
Tasting Notes:
2021 Elenore Semillon is pale straw in colour with a tinge of green.
Aromatically it is expressly lifted displaying fresh cut hay, lemon curd, passionfruit and a touch of nuttiness.
The palate is medium-bodied with initial bursts of fresh juicy fruit including pear and melons. It then progresses to a touch of creaminess with subtle oak adding further complexity before transitioning to a fresh citrus finish that’s very lingering. It’s textural throughout giving a full-rounded mouthfeel with natural acid ensuring harmony. Elenore is a lavishly flavoured old vine Barossa Semillon that can be enjoyed now or over the next five to ten years.
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WINERY RATING |
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2013 |
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