FOREIGN FRIENDS 2025 'ALICE' CHENIN BLANC

Crushed, pressed then fermented and aged on lees in a combination of
stainless steel (300L) and neutral oak puncheon (500L). The wine saw partial malolactic fermentation and was aged for 11 months before bottling in February of 2026.

Grown by Grace Darling of Darling Estate in the Heart of the King Valley. The vineyard sits at around 320m altitude on red volcanic loam soil.

Like each of our labels, the Chenin Blanc design is inspired by a visionary historical woman. Victorian 'guide' Alice Manfield is the inspiration behind this particular label. Born in the alpine region close to Beechworth, her family ran the guest house at Mount Buffalo - her father a renowned guide in the region. Alice fell in love with the mountain and became the first female guide, pioneering the iconic 'trouser suit' for women. As a talented photographer and naturalist, 'guide Alice' is considered the first person to capture a photo of the lyrebird, going to extreme lengths to conceal herself and call them towards her. Alice spent her life pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for a woman in her time, much like Juliette's sister, our personal inspiration behind this label.

"Crushed, pressed, fermented, aged on lees in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak. Victorian chenin blanc is a bit of a rarity but not for too much longer, not if this little beauty of a wine is any indication. It is the full package. Combines the essential elements of top Chenin: concentration, drive, texture. Aromas lead the way in peach, pear, red apple with honeysuckle florals, acacia and chamomile. Supple, succulent and long on flavour, the palate comes alive in complex stone and citrus fruits, florals and spice with additional savoury green almond and saline notes. Acidity is perfectly integrated into the wine. Bravo!"

95 Points by Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion