Freeman Corvina ‘Robusta’ Altura Vineyard 2015

As distinct from Freeman ‘Secco’, Freeman Robusta is crafted entirely from corvina grapes, all of which are partially dried for 10 days in a neighbour’s prune dehydrator, prior to a prolonged two-month fermentation. Subsequent ageing in old oak barrels for two years allows the powerful tannins to integrate and enrich the palate. Not for the faint-hearted!

The Freeman home block vineyard (560 metres elevation) in the Southern region of New South Wales sits atop a large granite rock. This big rock is 150km long and 50km wide and blocks the westward flow of the Murrumbidgee River from Australia’s national capital, Canberra. Over eons the rock has weathered to produce a layer of decomposed granite soil up to 15-metres deep. Dust storms from central Australia deposited red sand and clay onto this soil, especially on the leeward side of ridges. This event produced the distinctive red colour and clay layers in the soil. The soils are deep and well drained, ideal for grapevines and the dominant winter rainfall usually ensures good soil moisture reserves for spring growth. Winemaker Brian Freeman’s intention is literally to create a wine in the vineyard.

“Medium red colour with the faintest tint of purple. The bouquet has some foresty, sousbois notes as well as red berries, the palate fruity again and fresh; clean, bright and loaded with berry flavours. Lovely sweet raspberry and cherry, rather grenache-like flavours, backed by good tannins. Its massive alcohol strangely doesn’t scream out as unbalanced. Delicious wine.” – 92 Points, Huon Hooke.

“Cracking wine from the good humans of the Freeman family, based in Hilltops, New South Wales. Made entirely from dried corvina grapes. Sweet cherry, sweet game meat scents, lavender, black pepper, cherry elixir, clove. Really pretty perfume, such a lovely way to start. Fresh yet fat fruited, crisp and washed over with amaro-like acidity, neat chewy/breathy finish and a web of feathery tannin throughout. Super stuff.” – 93 Points, Mike Bennie, Winefront.