Nose
Gooseberry and lime form a brooding fruit base to this
complex blend with savoury sourdough, romano cheese and
coriander adding exciting detail to the nose
Palate
This savoury element is mirrored on the palate as a rich
and textural composite of citrus fruits and herbs build and evolve
in the mouth. A slate-like, mouthwatering acidity permeates the
generous fruit flavours and accentuates the long cleansing finish
to the wine. Subtle sandalwood and clove spice hint at the
contribution from fine French oak barriques.
Growing Conditions
Another text-book vintage in Margaret River with consistent,
almost rhythmic temperature patterns throughout the ripening
season, resulting in excellent balance and physiological ripeness
of fruit. Reasonable yields were obtained despite a handful of
blocks being exposed to heavy storms in Spring reducing their
cropping potential, but overall quality is excellent. Chardonnay
has intensity and balance, and particularly good natural acidity,
Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc have fruit power and intensity.
Winemaking
This wine is a blend of Vasse Felix's best parcels of Sauvignon
Blanc and Semillon, a portion of which is fermented in new
French oak barriques to provide additional complexity, texture
and length. It is aromatic and vibrant with a subtle savoury
nuance.Sauvignon Blanc provides tropical passionfruit aromatics that are
complemented by Semillon's lime and floral notes. Specialized
yeasts have been selected to accentuate these core varietal
characters. The wine's aromatic and textural complexity has also
been enhanced by retaining extra solids in some of the juice
parcels and fermenting a portion in new French oak barriques. A
small contribution from Sauvignon Blanc fermented entirely on
skins has once again added a unique savoury element to the nose
and palate.
Appearance
Bright straw shot through with lime green.
