Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Tasting Notes
On the nose; lime, fresh passionfruit and custard apple with a hint of nettles. This follows through onto the palate with a mix of fresh herb and tropical flavours with a touch of chalkiness along with lime zestiness and considerable length.
Vintage
We had good winter rains after a few seasons of below average rainfall. This was a late season: budburst was approximately 2-3 weeks late, and harvest started similarly behind our standard season (we usually start picking Chardonnay in early/ mid February). This year we picked whites in late February/ early March. Unseasonal rains in March threw a spanner in the works somewhat, but luck and good management helped us dodge most of the bullets. Overall this was a very long vintage with moderate yields which tested Joch’s nerves a little more than usual.
Winemaking
Grapes were picked early at just on 11° Beaumé to help preserve freshness, then gently pressed and then taken through a slow, cool ferment in stainless steel tanks. We want to retain every delicate character of the grapes in the final wine, and so to this end we allow the wine time on lees, which also helps add palate weight and complexity.
Other Vintages
Technical Details
Picking Date: 24th February and 28th February 2011
pH Level: 3.24
Total Acidity: 6.95
Alc/Vol: 12.5%
Bottling Date: 22nd November 2011