Trahere is Latin for “to pull” or “to draw.” At Ten Minutes by Tractor, the bottling name signifies the drive to make progress and move forward. The Trahere wines are the ultimate expression of the vineyards, the vintage, and the people.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the work of Martin and Karen and their ambitious high-density plantings. Strange, foreign machinery appeared, and a vision to create something unlike anything seen in Australia before began to take shape.
During that time, a disastrous cellar fire occurred, but despite this setback, prestigious awards for their restaurant wine lists were won. The resilience and determination of the entire team were undoubtedly tested and, once again, rewarded. So it is with true delight that the fruits of their labour and love have arrived at my desk and into my glass.
The 2021 first-release bottlings of Trahere combine grapes from the high-density Spedding Vineyard, with future releases taking fruit entirely from these sites. It’s immediately clear not an ounce of effort or energy has been wasted.
Their blood, sweat, and tears have culminated in a manifestation of passion, dedication, and excellence. On tasting these wines it’s a true moment of elation—a witness to the miracle of regeneration.
2021 Ten Minutes by Tractor Trahere Chardonnay
96 Points | $110
50% of the fruit is from the high density Spedding vineyard, 33% from McCutcheon vineyard and 17% from Judd vineyard. Wild fermentation and 20% new oak for 10 months maturation. A sachet of star jasmine, honeysuckle and frangipani blooms. White peach fuzz and orchard apples. Lemon gum and chamomile. A serpentine of elegant natural acidity forces you to slow down and admire its palate length. Shaved ginger, rye seed and cumin spice. There is a mealy quality to grape and oak tannins. It’s springtide in its drinking window, stonkingly bright and lively right now and has the ability to age 8-10 years further. This is the kind of chardonnay that puts Australia high on the global map of fine wine. We are still sunshine in the glass but with the added dimension of tension, texture and complexity on your palate. Brilliant. A worthy contender for lobster bisque.
2021 Ten Minutes by Tractor Trahere Pinot Noir
95 Points | $130
50% of the fruit is from the high density Spedding vineyard, 38% from Judd vineyard and 12% from McCutcheon. Matured in 22% new French oak for 13 months. Morello cherry, rosehip tea and bleeding pomegranates. Native bush tomato, rosella and hibiscus. Harissa and cassia bark spice. A cascade of juicy acidity and savoury, cured meat on the finish. Tannins are fine and compressed, like granules of sand melded into clay. There is a maple bark note that leads to mace and sweet tobacco spice. Detailed and bringing together floral fragrance, fruit and earth. Drink now or will cellar another 3-6 years. A beauty with creamy mushroom dishes.
