Limited release, this handpicked fruit from the oldest Gamay vines in Geelong has 15% going through carbonic maceration. Indigeneous yeast fermentation creates a complex blend of earthy flavours before being pressed and aged in old French hogshead barrels and barriques. The colour is dark and brooding while the palate flavours display both fleshy fruits, and spicy notes.

The Gamay comes from the Rowsley fault vineyard in the Moorabool valley (where I also source my Pinot noir). The Gamay was planted in 1999 and it is the source for cuttings for many of the other Gamay plantings in the region (By Farr, Bannockburn, Lethbridge, Scotchmans hill). It has two clones in the block (unsure of names) but chosen by the European owners who have a love of Beaujolais.

Tash Webster is the founder and winemaker of the Moorabool Valley based label Empire wines (previously Empire of dirt wines). She gained experience working in many wineries and vineyards across Geelong's three sub-regions (as well as her hometown of Orange, NSW) while completing her CSU winemaking degree as Dux and with distinction. Having failed with her first business attempt (always a good life lesson) she now makes boutique wines that represent the Geelong region. Tash was a finalist in the 2020 Young guns of wine awards, and has experience judging in both regional, state, and national Wine shows.