This tiny vineyard is one of Australia’s most southerly located in the Huon valley in southern Tasmania. So to the name, where does that come from? There was a handwritten sign on the wall at the Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet, our local coffee and cake respite from the Tasmanian weather. It said, “Sailor Seeks Horse” and went on to explain that the author had sailed solo around the world and ridden across the US from coast to coast and back again…on a mule. He’d then decided he wanted to travel around Tasmania by horse but didn’t have one. So, was there anyone who would lend him one? If they didn’t have a horse then a pony would do. It was an idea that resonated with us. Here we were, trying to do something a little bit crazy, without much money and requiring a little bit of help to get to where we wanted to be. Paul and Gilli Lipscombe own the vineyard and make the wines and both have considerable vineyard and winemaking experience behind them including winning the Jimmy Watson trophy for Home Hill where they have been the winemakers in recent years. From working together in the Languedoc to New Zealand, Oregon and Margaret River they spent a lot of time researching and considering the best possible vineyard site with the aim to produce Australia’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay finally settling on this ideal north facing vineyard which is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds. Best described as a warm site within a cool climate, the soil is free-draining quartz inflected mudstone soil over clay. The vineyard is planted to a large variety of Dijon clones as well as numerous other clones planted by the previous owners and all vineyard work is done as organically as possible. In 2019 a new planting including some Trousseau has been made on the steep north-west facing slope beside the main vineyard block. Even though the 2022 season fell into another La Nina event, there was good rainfall early on and then, as seems normal these days, the tap was turned off in the new year. A fairly pleasant, dry, if not particularly sunny summer with a return to more typical yields compared to 20/21/23. After the previous two years the were able to use more fermenters in the winery with the fruit tasting great and the end of the season finishing off ripening nicely. As the wines developed in barrel some blends were tasted and discovered a combination of the three low-yielding Dijon clones (115, 114 and 777) resulted in a higher-toned, more spice-driven wine with a slightly denser palate weight than the normal Pinot. So they decided to bottle it separately.

This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

A light, very bright crimson. Smells like a rose garden with a little lavender thrown in! You'll also find aromas of sour cherries and blood oranges. Poised, elegant and persistent, this flows mellifluously across the palate

Product Description The 2022 Sylvain Cathiard Hautes Côtes de Nuits Rouge is a remarkable addition to the Domaine's portfolio, showcasing the intricate potential of the Hautes Côtes vineyards. Sourced from a small but carefully selected 2.5-hectare parcel in Villars Fontaine, located at an elevation of 350 meters above Nuits-St-Georges, this wine expresses both the uniqueness of its terroir and the finesse of Cathiard's winemaking approach. The wine presents an inviting dark fruit profile, with a slightly denser colour compared to other Bourgogne wines from the Côte. It's a youthful expression with a plumper raspberry fruit profile, complemented by a subtle dryness from the oak, which will integrate with time. The wine offers great structure, balanced by juicy freshness and fine tannins, making it a perfect early-drinking option while waiting for more complex village wines to mature. With a medium-bodied profile, this wine has a pleasant length, offering a youthful bitterness that will soften with age. This Hautes Côtes cuvée is the ideal introduction to the Domaine’s Pinot Noir style, and with only a limited production of around 7 barrels in a good vintage, it’s an exclusive and limited offering. Maker Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, founded in the 1930s by Sylvain’s grandfather, is a boutique estate that has gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional wines. Based in Vosne-Romanée, the estate spans 5 hectares, with vineyards in prestigious appellations including Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and a coveted plot in Romanée-St-Vivant. Under the meticulous stewardship of Sebastien Cathiard, who took over in 2011, the estate has flourished, with an emphasis on sustainable viticulture, organic principles, and minimal intervention winemaking. Sebastien’s approach to winemaking is hands-off, allowing the natural expression of the terroir to shine through while focusing on elegance, purity, and balance in each wine. The Domaine's reputation has skyrocketed, with wine writer Neal Martin calling it one of the top producers of Vosne-Romanée, earning acclaim from both critics and collectors worldwide. The Domaine's expansion into the Hautes Côtes de Nuits, with new parcels in Villars Fontaine, further enhances the Cathiard legacy. Sebastien has created a purpose-built facility that allows for more room to vinify and age wines, ensuring that this new addition, along with the core vineyard plots, will be available to more consumers, all while maintaining the Cathiard style. Philosophy Sebastien Cathiard’s philosophy centres around producing wines that are harmonious, elegant, and true to their terroir. With a clear respect for the natural environment, the Domaine follows organic and biodynamic principles, fostering balance in the vineyard and letting nature dictate the pace of growth. Sebastien’s commitment to minimal intervention allows the vineyards to express their full potential, producing wines that are pure and reflective of their origins. The winemaking process is marked by an almost non-interventionist approach, using natural yeasts and allowing the wines to mature on their lees for up to 18 months. Sebastien’s use of oak is thoughtfully measured, reducing the percentage of new oak over time to ensure the wine retains its fresh fruit character while gaining complexity. His wines are structured, with an emphasis on balance and ageability, crafted to highlight the beauty of Burgundy’s terroir. With a production of only about 50 barrels per year across all appellations, the wines are limited, highly sought-after, and offered first to loyal customers. Tasting Notes Nose Dark Fruit, Pepper, Subtle Oak The nose opens with a vibrant mix of dark fruits, including ripe raspberry and black cherry, interwoven with a peppery spice and a touch of subtle oak. The aromatic profile is complex, enticing, and layered. Palate Raspberry, Fresh, Structured On the palate, the wine presents a smooth and balanced profile, with ripe raspberry fruit at the core. The fine tannins provide structure and depth, while a streak of freshness keeps the wine lively and vibrant. Finish Juicy, Balanced, Length The finish is medium in length, with a youthful bitterness that gives way to a balanced, mineral-driven finale. The wine lingers with a clean, refreshing acidity that leaves a lasting impression.