Lodestone
Hurley Vineyard ‘Lodestone’
Lodestone comprises 1.4 ha of northerly aspect. It is full of energy from the direct sun. This is a powerful climat and capable of anything. It is the difficult child. We submit to its essential nature and hope it accepts our guidance. This vineyard seems to race ahead of us every vintage, a danger to itself and us. But it always rewards our efforts. It has more rock and stones in the soil than Hommage and Garamond. Ripeness is never a problem here. It has the modern Dijon clones 114, 115 and 777, and the wonderful MV6 (see under Garamond below). It was 90% planted in 1999 (clones 114, 115 and MV6). The rest was planted in 2004 (clone 777).
Lodestone the name comes from Magnetite, an iron mineral which is abundant in our soil. Lodestone also means principle, which reminds us of the principle of terroir, which keeps us focussed on the soil.
THE WINE
Lodestone is the warmest of the single vineyards, and is always harvested first. Accordingly, the wine can be powerful and concentrated, but not coarse or extracted. Its four clones enhance its natural complexity. Lodestone is earthy to the nose and sweet to the palate. It is usually moreish and satisfying. The fruit is darker in character than Hommage and Garamond, and the tannins more evident, reflecting the heavier, rockier, clayey soil. There is often a hint of dried sage.
