| Vintage
The 2006 vintage will go down in recorded history as the coolest ever. Certainly Perth had the coolest summer for some 50 years. In light of this most harvest dates were at least one month later than usual so it is what we would describe as an atypical vintage. The positives have been that flavour ripeness tracked beautifully with rising sugar levels and acid retention was also higher giving crisp, clean wines, which will cellar well in the short to medium term.
Label Integrity
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Semillon (Margaret River)
Winemaking
This wine is a blend of premium wines made from Margaret River fruit. The complexity of the blending of these varietals has contributed to making this a modern but classic premium Western Australian style of wine.
Tasting Notes
This is one wine of a new range of Margaret River wines introduced by Sandalford in 2006. In relative terms the Protégé wines are positioned between the Sandalford Premium (Margaret River) range and the entry-level Element (WA) range. The range includes a Premium Classic White (multi-varietal), Chardonnay (Unwooded), Rose (Cabernet Sauvignon), Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Blend).
The colour is pale lemon with some lime tints. The nose has a lovely grassy character with hints of nettle from the Sauvignon Blanc component and citrus characters from the Semillon. This wine has a gorgeous palate both refreshing and balanced. The melon flavours are packed in tight and intermingle with the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon nuances as seen on the nose. Zingy acidity and a long finish make this a great drinking style of wine. This is a wine to be serve well chilled and made in a drink now mode. Sealed with a screwcap closure to ensure a perfect life.
“The fine Protégé Range includes this unlikely blend of chenin, sauvignon blanc, verdelho, chardonnay and semillon. It works. Intense flavours, vibrant, powerful, crisp, refreshing acidity.”
Peter Forrestal, Sunday Time Magazine.
“A very clean, fruity, commercial style with pretty floral aromas and well-balanced palate with good flavour length and acid and residual sugar in harmony **** ”
Winestate Magazine, March/April 2007
Assessment
To Be Assessed
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