| Vintage
In stark contrast to 2006 the 2007 vintage was the earliest start to vintage in recorded history at Sandalford Wines. Picking dates were some two to six weeks ahead of the “average”. The main contributors to this were the very warm and dry summer conditions, the cumulative effect of successive years of drought and the ultra cool conditions for the growing season of the 2006 vintage. The other big news out of vintage 2007 was the large reduction in expected crop levels. In some cases expected yields were down 50%. The overall effect however of all the above is that the fruit from this year’s harvest is perfectly ripe, (as is the acid profile) and that fruit flavour and intensity in addition to tannin structure for the reds, is outstanding. This will give great cellaring potential to all those styles suited to longer maturation in bottle.
Label Integrity
90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. (100% Margaret River)
Winemaking
This wine is completely vinified from Sandalford Estate vineyard fruit located in the famed Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River. In February of 2007 the fruit was machine harvested in the cool of night from the old, dry-grown Estate vines. The resultant crystal clear juices were cold fermented separately with selected yeast strains to enhance the varietal expression of these two noble varieties. At the end of fermentation the wines were assembled and blended together to give the optimum premium wine blend befitting this style. No fining was required. After stabilisation and clarification the wine was bottled in April 2007.
Tasting Notes
This SBS reflects the great vintage that was 2007. There is a level of intensity and varietal definition only seen in great years. The Sauvignon gives gooseberry and grassiness whilst the Semillon fills out the palate with weight, texture and citrus nuances. This is a light to medium bodied wine with beautiful balance in respect of acidity giving a lovely zestiness to the finish. There is a touch of minerality on the palate adding to the overall allure of this wine. A wine to serve well chilled and now rather than later.
Assessment
TBA
Awards
- Bronze Medal Winner – 2007 Cairns Wine Show
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