SALVIS GRATIA roughly translates to “Saving grace.” The second release of this “secret project” that was crafted mid-vintage in 2021. From a 40 year old vineyard planted to the Madeira clone. The wine sees 25% fermented and matured in a new French oak puncheon with 6 months on lees.

Chaffey Bros. Wine Co., SALVIS GRATIA, Eden Valley, 2022

Medium pale lemon hue. Picks up where the 2021 left off with lemon curd and roast chicken skin, honeysuckle, candle wax and gingernut biscuit. Depth and heft: oak and lees work give creamy, leesy richness with ginger spice, fine phenolics and zesty citrus cuts. That briny signature leaves the palate in a dichotomy: salivating and refreshed both at once. Unique and worthy.

RRP: $32
Alc: 13.2%
Rating: 93/100

Wine sample courtesy of Chaffey Bros Wine Co