In blending Etoile Release 2, we explored the polarities of different vintages, combining yin and yang elements. Over the past 20 years, we've experienced cooler and warmer seasons, each with unique characteristics.

Ultimately, the intention of blending Etoile remains the same – to blend the most harmonious, polished and complex wine, leveraging our terroirs, our Vintage Brut reserve library, and our team's craft as sparkling wine blenders.

Etoile Release #2 builds on the long cool Indian Summer of 2012 and the warm sunshine of 2013, blending complementary flavours from each. Similarly, we juxtaposed the austere 2011 against the rich 2014, and the tension and verve of 2015 against the exuberance of 2016.

We worked with flavours from cooler seasons like 2012, 2011, 2015, and 2017 (citrus, mineral, seaspray) against warmer years like 2013, 2014, and 2016 (ripe peach, concentration, sunshine).

Five of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions contributed to the final blend of Étoile.

51% is from the mountainous Whitlands High Plateau, where red soils produce wines with distinct zesty drive; 27% is from the Yarra Valley, where ancient soils lend generosity to the blend; 16% from the Strathbogie Ranges where the weathered granitic sand imparts precision and minerality; 3% from Tasmania, where coolness drives purity of fruit; and 3% from Macedon Ranges, where the Southern Ocean impact imparts salinity.

With its pale straw hue and delicate, persistent mousse, this sparkling wine is exceptional from the first glance. Radiant characters integrate seamlessly, with tightly wound acidity and surprising brightness.

Smooth, subtle autolytic notes from extended aging add a gingernutty quality. Aging in 205-litre pièce champenoise barrels and large foudres adds complexity and a soft, toasty dimension. Overall, there is a sense of plenty, embraced with mesmerising restraint. Completeness and harmony.