Nick Ryan 98 points.
"This is a wine of whispered power, finely etched etched detail and sublimely subtle texture. Black cherries and dried strawberries, a rippling seam of baking spices, a beguiling bass line of sweet earthiness. It's the sinewy athleticism that really impresses here, the wine delivers plenty without getting paunchy. It's alert, energetic and rolls across the palate with effortless momentum. This is not Joy Division, but Joy Multiplied." NR.
From the makers....
"DECADES is the culmination of a lifelong friendship and the realisation of hundreds of chats
about making wine together. Best mates Steve Flamsteed & Brad Rogers have poured those
conversations, a shared love of punk & alternative music, and fine wine - straight into the
bottle - Welcome to DECADES!
It’s exciting for us to launch DECADES together, after a 35-year friendship, having met on day
one of our Oenology degree at Roseworthy Agriculture College, way back in 1991. We both
grew up in Queensland, listening to many local and UK bands, especially Joy Division.
Through the years, across the decades, we have stayed true mates, having gone in different
directions in the Australian booze industry. Our first harvest together as DECADES was May
2023, these wines are our first release.
Our Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grapes are grown on our own 3-hectare vineyard in the cool
climate region of the Coal River Valley in beautiful Tasmania. The original vineyard was
planted back in 1990.
Since the purchase of our Coal River Valley vineyard in 2022, we have planted an additional 4
hectares of Pinot Noir in 2023 and another 4 hectares of Pinot Noir with a little extra
Chardonnay in 2024. The new vines are made up of several old and interesting new clones.
The new vines are planted at a tighter vine density than the original block. We believe it’s
going to be very exciting to see these wines from the two new blocks develop in the years to
come.
The 2023 season was wonderfully long and cool. The fruit remained on the vines a little
longer than average, allowing for greater tannin and flavour ripeness to integrate in a slow
delicate manner. Intermittent rain events also meant the vines remained in excellent health
and vigour right through to harvest. The cool temperatures meant the natural acidity was
retained in these wines.
Drink DECADES!
Cheers
Steve & Brad.
