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
100% Verdelho (Margaret River)
Winemaking
Verdelho grapes were machine-harvested in the cool of the night across several different dates in February. The fruit was immediately crushed, chilled and pressed. Only the free-run juice portion of the fruit was utilised. Following clarification, the juice underwent a long and slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks with a selected neutral yeast strain. At the end of this process the wine was immediately blended, stabilised, filtered and bottled July 2007.
Tasting Notes
The 2007 Verdelho continues the long and successful history of this wine made solely from Sandalford's Wilyabrup 37 year-old, dry-grown Margaret River vines. This is now the number one selling premium Verdelho in Australia (A C Nielsen >$20).
The 2007 Verdelho again has a classic fully ripened flavour profile. The green tropicals of guava, passionfruit and cashew fruit come to the fore. The palate retains a certain luscious aspect, which will only improve with age. This is still a full-bodied white wine with no oak influence. The acid profile in 2007 is somewhat more moderate than in previous years giving softness to the texture and finish. Drinking beautifully whilst young this wine will age for years to come.
Assessment - Reviews of the Sandalford 2005 Verdelho
"Verdelho has languished in the shadow cast by chardonnay far too long. If you are ready to scream at the next cookie cutter clone unwooded chardonnay or flat SSB Classic, this could well be your salvation. This wine displays a spicy, complex palate with firm ripe fruit and good cool climate freshness. A great wine for matching with food." Scoop, Thursday 1st September 2005
"The Sandalford Margaret River was a beauty and certainly a more approachable than the 04, which took some months to show its best. Winemaker Paul Boulden put this down to the vintage which was a cracker for most of WA - certainly the areas that got their fruit off before the rain hit. Thus has a delicious fresh tropical character with a fine delicate acid. The lingering flavour was well balanced and dry but with good natural sweetness." Versatile Verdelho Deserves Sweet Success, Ray Jordan, The West Australian, Thursday 8th September 2005
"The purity and intensity of this style is just gorgeous. There's stacks of tropical fruit but it's delivered in a tightly focused and somewhat refrained fashion. Great drinking. Summer In A Glass, The West Australian, 29 October 2005
Awards
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