GUM Blend of Fields Heathcote 2022

95% Viognier grown on Cambrian soils in Heathcote, and 5% direct pressed red varieties picked on the early side. Fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and fibreglass vessels. A sweet scent of apricot schnapps melds with a stony mineral note to cut through savoury wafts of earl grey tea, curry leaf, chamomile, and lemon balm with gentle orange oil in support. This is intriguing and attention grabbing from the start, not to mention completely delicious. A viscous oily texture wraps around apricot, peach, earl grey, camomile, and kumquat with a hit of spice adding to the complexity, and all the while a cooling stony minerality keeping a shot of freshness. Glossy phenolics pair with a nice drench of acid to bring the frame for a spicy, stony finish. This is the real deal in terms of flavour and complexity, all the while weighing in at a breezy 12.1% ABV. A brilliant first release.