Momento Mori + Nikau Farms
Heathcote & Gippsland, Victoria
New Zealander Dane Johns worked many years as a barista in Melbourne where he learned about roasting, the nuances of blending & flavour infusion. The formative years ahead of his vinous endeavours.
After getting a passion for wine, Dane decided to gain winemaking experience by working several vintages with the innovative Adam Marks at Bress Winery, Central Victoria & famed Bill Downie in Gippsland. He then headed to Europe to work with more of the wineries that he admired, absorbing their knowledge like a sponge. Dane’s passion for wine grew & after some time working in wine retail he took the plunge to release his first wines under the Momento Mori label.
Singular, considered & pure. These are serious wines by a seriously passionate vigneron. Located in Gippsland, Dane & Hannah Johns are committed to organic farming across two vineyards amongst the undulating volcanic hills of this truly diverse GI. The fruit sourced from their home block is destined solely to the Nikau Farm wines - whilst the other vineyard, just 20km North, compliment these wines & in part, are blended into various Momento Mori cuvées.
Most of the fruit for the Momento Mori wines comes from the Chalmers family in Heathcote. The Chalmers family have been responsible for single-handedly bringing most of the Italian grape varieties you see here today into Australia. They have spent decades doing so as they believe a lot of these northern Italian varieties make more sense environmentally in an Australian climate. They require very little in terms of inputs comparatively and cope better during drought conditions.
In this region (Heathcote) there is very little rainfall. This means very little in terms of copper or sulphur sprays. The vineyards sit on the slopes of Mt Camel. The soils here are derived from ancient Cambrian period basaltic rock and are a mix of volcanic rock types. These include Ironstone, Dolerite, Green Basalt and Jasper on the higher slopes and deep red clay loam towards the bottom.
Handpicked, no oak & wild fermented semi-carbonic (without correction nor adjustment) to best reflect the nuances of site & season. Fermented in stainless & matured in a combination of inert vessels, these wines are full of charm, freshness, purity & offer high drinkability. The 2022 releases are resolved, expressive, structured yet lithe. A spectacularly singular display of well composed aromas & flavours - a delight to ponder, devour & behold. Get at it!
