Orbis Wines
McLaren Vale, SA
by Lauren Langfield, Andrew Mackenzie, Brad Moyes and Kendall Grey
“Orbis is working towards the goal of carbon net zero, with our management decisions to reduce our emissions and emissions related to our purchasing decisions, as well as increasing our carbon sequestering on site.” Andrew Mackenzie, viticulturist.
We're very excited about this project by Brad Moyes and Kendall Grey, since they took over the 32ha McLaren Vale property in 2018, the environment and fruit quality have been top priority in every decision made. Carbon neutrality and closed-loop farming in their sights with regenerative, bio-diverse viticulture leading the way.
Planted to an abundance of Shiraz in the 60's & 70's, the stunning property itself is one of the highest and coolest in the Vale about 10km inland from the Gulf, receiving cooling breezes from both the gulf and the ranges behind. The old Shiraz vines have slowly been taken over by Mediterranean varieties with better tolerance to heat, drought and disease. Fiano, Albarino, Tempranillo, Nero and of course plenty of Grenache to name a few, with some 50+ yr Shiraz granted continued residence.
Renowned viticulturist Richard Leask oversees the program, spearheaded onsite by Andrew Mackenzie and a small flock of Babydoll Sheep who conduct mowing duties while adding nitrogen, good bacteria and carbon to the soil in the process. Luckily the trellis wires are lifted above the standard height to keep the sheep out of the forbidden fruit.
An onsite sustainably farmed forest supplies timber for all building needs including a recent extension to the solar run winery, with timber waste going to compost with grape marc and chicken manure. Electric vehicles and machinery, locally produced lightweight recycled bottles, biodegradable labels made from sugarcane waste and natural corks show the sustainability commitment is thought-out start-to-finish.
YGOW Best New Act winner, Lauren Langfield, now looks after winemaking duties and assists in the vineyard year round. Her impressive background in organic and biodynamic viticulture, as well as enology, allows the vineyard to lead winemaking decisions, cementing the symbiotic relationship between farm and winery.
"The mythical creature, the Ouroboros, that adorns the labels symbolises a perpetual, self-sufficient system that does not impact outside of itself."
2021 Tempranillo Rosé
Complex but uncomplicated, acid lead Rosé with aromas of quince and lychee and a savoury, textural palate.
Hand-picked estate fruit, whole-bunch pressed and fermented in stainless. 6 months on lees give notes of buttery brioche and crème fraiche.
2021 Grenache / Tempranillo
A lighter expression of both varieties. Lilac and rose petals, fresh and juicy red berries are supported by thyme, peppercorn and spices.
Hand-picked estate fruit, all destemmed to open top fermenters separately. Tempranillo to French oak Barriques and Grenache to Stainless tanks for 5 months before blending and bottle.
2021 Wholebunch Shiraz
A lively and expressive Shiraz, bright berry on the nose and palate with some bunchy crunch. Cherry and blueberry with Aperol and spice.
Hand-picked estate fruit, fermented in stainless with a portion of whole-bunch carbonic. Pressed to old French oak for maturation on lees.
