Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Rosé 2011

Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Rosé 2011 (Mornington Peninsula, Vic)
12.5%, Screwcap, $24
Source: Sample
www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

2011 was a shitty vintage on the Mornington Peninsula. Sure we can debate the level of shittiness (some will just call it ‘challenging’) but there is no sugar-coating the fact that the cool wet conditions made it a tough year to grow ripe healthy grapes.

Shitty conditions don’t necessarily lead to shitty wines though, with the most astute and selective vignerons still able to craft impressive wines by spraying, plucking and sorting ad nauseam. I’d place Ten Minutes by Tractor firmly in that boat too.

Indeed this Pinot based rosé looks pretty damn good, all things considered. The acidity is still a little pointed and there is a slightly herbal edge but the wine still has the texture to carry everything off, the palate weight boosted by judicious wild fermentation and 2 months maturation in old oak.

As the winery suggests, this is definitely a rosé for grown ups, carrying the length and definition of a much more serious wine. I liked it.

Drink: 2012-2013+
Score: 17/20 90/100
Would I buy it? Yes