Residual Sugar: 5.8 g/l
Early summer was a period of consistently dry weather, long warm days and cool nights. With good healthy vines and strong summer growth, crop loads were managed by shoot and fruit thinning. In March we saw a quick cool southerly blast with some rain pass through which slowed down the ripening, a lot of work was done to reduce the leaf shading of the fruit. The weather cleared to the warm days and cool nights that Marlborough is well known for, this caused a longer growing season – ideal for the Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics. The fruit was picked on its flavour balance with slightly lower sugar levels, strong intense flavours and good crisp acidity.
Gewurztraminer grapes were machine harvested, gently destemmed and crushed. It was important to retain the balance in this wine, and to protect those aromas our handling was kept to a minimum, and we employed protective anaerobic techniques in our wine-making.
Following cold settling the resultant juice was filtered prior to a long cool fermentation using neutral yeast.
Wine Orbit – 90/100 – 4.5 stars
It’s beautifully perfumed on the nose displaying floral, peach, tropical fruit and subtle spice notes. The palate is lively and juicy with excellent fruit richness and refreshing acidity, finishing long and satisfying.
At its best: now to 2015. 13.5% Screw cap. Dec 2012.
Royal Easter Wine Show 2013 – Silver