APOGEE DELUXE VINTAGE BRUT 2014

$50 | TASMANIA | DIAM | 12.0% ALCOHOL | DRINK 2017-2021 | 92 POINTS

46% pinot, 48% chardonnay, 8% meunler; 25% ferment on old oak casks; aged 26 months on lees; 8.5g/L dosage; disgorged 2 March 2017

Presence, depth and character meet the cool tension of Piper's River in a cuvée of detail and personality. Pinot noir takes the lead in spicy red apple fruit, backed by the citrus crunch of chardonnay. Partial fermentation in old oak heightens spicy complexity and texture, while the lingering, cool acid line of northern Tasmania defines a long finish.

APOGEE DELUXE VINTAGE ROSÉ 2015

90% pinot noir; 10% fermented in old oak casks; aged 24 months on lees; disgorged March 2018

Piper's River pinot noir is the secret to many of Australia's most refined sparkling rosés and Andrew Pirie knows this as well as anyone.   A gorgeous pale salmon hue, it's infused with magnificent red cherry and strawberry fruit, framed in spice and even the most subtle hints of coffee and dark chocolate from partial fermentation in old oak casks.  Pinot builds a palate of magnificent body and presence, yet upholds focus and tension, thanks to cool Tasmanian acidity on a finish that lingers long and accurate.  12 months on cork (i.e. after disgorging date) will repay handsomely.