Nose
The bouquet is ripe, opulent and intense with one of the highlights of the 2014 vintage being
the beautiful, phenological ripeness of the semillon. Fragrant peach and nashi pear of the
semillon is supported by lemon curd and preserved lemon with a savoury yet subtle biscuit
character from fermentation and lees stirring.
Palate
The intensity of flavour and fruit ripeness of the semillon finishes with a suppleness and a
sherbety acidity. Russian oak in the semillon ferment adds a delicate vanilla spice. Medium
bodied and nicely weighted in the mouth, the palate is round and textural, semillon filling out
the mid palate with sauvignon blanc providing aromatics.
Growing Conditions
Margaret River experienced one of its warmest vintages on record, on a par with the very
warm 2011 vintage. Whites were all harvested quickly and looked exceptional. Flavours were
bright and fresh with natural acidity high and in good balance. The red harvest benefitted
from mild conditions throughout March and April which enabled tannin and flavour maturity
to catch up to the high sugars prior to harvest. Once again the weather gods were on our side
for a classic Margaret River vintage.
Winemaking
Each vineyard that contributed to the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc was vinified separately. One
third of every batch was barrel fermented in a combination of new and older oak, with the
balance tank fermented. Barrel ferment temperature was controlled at several degrees
higher than the tank components and the lees were stirred regularly in both tank and barrels
for two months prior to blending, fining and filtration.
Appearance
Delicate straw with a green hue, clear and bright.
