Clos de Ste. Anne is Millton Vineyard’s “Grand Cru” and is dedicated to Annie Millton, whose family farmed this land for five generations. The wines from this site reflect the unique terroir. This vineyard location makes it the first vineyard in the world to see the light of a new day

The Syrah is grown in a little bowl high up on the slopes of this estate. Protected on all sides by the topography, it faces directly northwest and is best described as The Crucible. The soil is young; a type of loam with volcanic ash and pumice over calcareous sedimentary rock.

Hand harvested grapes were chilled prior to destemming and then gently placed in 1,000L wooden cuves for a natural fermentation initiated by indigenous yeast. Every eight hours the red grape skins were pushed into the mass of fermenting juices. The wine matured for 15 months in French barriques.

Purple-hued and a complex luminosity, the white pepper enhances the beautiful ripeness with violets, writer’s ink and dark chocolate aromas. The palate is forward, yet sweet, with rich full flavors followed by a silken acidity, with elegant rather than aggressive tannin. The texture is sensual without being overpowering. As black as thunder and as sweet as a teenage kiss. The savory acidity is Pinot silk-like that flows leaving a current of tantalizing dark fruit on a warm landing.