Nose
Bursting with notes of pretty citrus blossom, coastal heath,
lemon thyme, gooseberry and fresh snow pea.
Palate
Crisp and refreshing with bright red apple crunch upfront,
leading to a succulent rockmelon flavour and richness towards the
finish. A soft yet generous wine with pristine fruit expression and
tremendous persistence.
Growing Conditions
Similar to the previous season, the 2018 vintage experienced
cooler than average conditions. Spring and early Summer delivered
intermittent cool then moderate weeks before a run of below
average temperatures in January and February. Late January rain
led to a fear of disease, however a beautiful period of ripening
followed with ample sunshine and strong daily sea breezes
preserving vibrant fruit flavours and acidity. Our white varieties
ripened with ideal sugar levels and high malic acid content for the
third year running, resulting in a desire to allow some natural malolactic
ferment in our Chardonnays. Meanwhile, the reds ripened
slowly and gently through a dry Autumn ensuring fully developed
tannins and a slightly riper and fleshier fruit profile to 2017.
Winemaking
Semillon’s citrus and floral notes are complemented by the tropical
passionfruit aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc. These varieties are
picked at reasonably low baume, capturing fine high-note aromas,
crisp primary fruit flavours and good acid structure. In 2018, 58% of
the batches destined for Classic Dry White were fermented under
cool conditions using specially selected yeasts to ensure the varietal
characters were accentuated, while 42% were permitted to ferment
wild in tank contributing a softer/fuller mouthfeel. This wine was
made without the use of oak to preserve pure fruit expression
Appearance
Brilliant straw green.
