Region: Hawke’s Bay, The la collina vineyard is a steep, terraced and incline planted hillside vineyard on the North/Northwest facing slopes of Roys Hill, west of Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The hillside is protected from the cooling effects of the southerly and southwesterly winds and during the growing season is bathed in sunshine. The terraces are planted to Syrah whilst the lowers slopes and Gravels flat are planted to Viognier.

Wine Making: 2008 is the first release of la collina white. Made predominately from Viognier (85%) and Gewurztraminer, the fruit was hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. After one day settling, the juice was transferred to older barrels for 100% barrel fermentation with indigenous yeast. A further 14 months lees aging with periodic stirring leads to a very textural palate and great length.  A small percentage of Malolactic  fermentation has helped with complexity and a creamy finish.

Uniqueness: The wine has possessed an “x” factor since fermentation including a unique and incredible spicy/licorice texture. This can only be attributed to the site and particular special growing conditions.

Note from the distributor: It has always been in the plans to release a partner wine for la collina Syrah and the 2008 vintage provided the perfect fruit to step up to this role.

Accolades:  92 points,    Neal Martin for eRobertParker.com  October 2010

Bilancia’s debut release of a 2008 La Collina white is a blend of 86% Viognier and 14% Gewurztra­miner (there was no Chardonnay in 2008 although some may be blended in the future.) 100% bar­rel fermented in very old barrels with 14-15 months maturation on the lees, the minimalist nose is well defined with subtle aromas of yellow flowers, dried peach, beeswax and just a hint of wet wool that dissipates with time. The palate is very well balanced with good acidity and a lovely, rounded texture that retains superb definition, touches of fresh pear and lemongrass towards the finish. This is an auspicious debut, though just 400 cases produced.

 Nick Stock, SMH /Age Wine Guide 20011 Rating:  A blended white of mysterious conception, this 85% Viognier and 15% gewürztrami­ner concoction has smooth stone fruits, apricots and pears. The palate’s worked into a complex textural form, with some nutty barrel-derived flavour building throughout a smooth, balanced, flavour­some palate. Terrific wine. “The Best of the Rest”