Paxton Vineyards Pinot Gris, McLaren Vale

Description

Paxton Vineyards was formed in 1979 by viticulturalist David Paxton. It is a family-owned business located in the McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The McLaren Vale is renowned for the production of super-premium quality wines, particularly red wines. In 2000, Paxton released its first wine, the 1998 Shiraz. Today, under the direction and guidance of Michael Paxton—David’s son and Paxton winemaker—Paxton produces seven estate-grown wines under the family label. Paxton’s vineyards are spread across a wide range of sites and soil types and are managed by Senior Viticulturalist Toby Bekkers. All of the vineyards are managed using biodynamic principles (and are classified as organic as well)—a system of farming without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with a focus on promoting healthy, living soils through the use of natural compost preparations. Paxton Vineyards is also a member of One Percent for the Planet.  

The grapes for Paxton Vineyards Pinot Gris are sourced from Paxton’s ‘Thomas Block,’ which is located two kilometres east of the township of McLaren Vale. It is a low-lying, hence relatively cool site, and the grapes are hand-pruned and picked. Low yields and careful inputs of precious irrigation water result in healthy, unstressed vines, which produce fruit with exceptional concentration of flavour and natural acidity.