|
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
Cabernet Sauvignon 100% (100% Western Australia)
Winemaking
This wine was made using the traditional Rose technique of crushing cold Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to a stainless steel vessel and allowing skin contact to take place over 24 hours. The resulting pink juice was then drained with the skins pressed for further flavour and colour extraction. Clarification of the pink juice then followed whereupon it was cold-fermented. The ferment was stopped at the desired sugar level immediately prior to the wine being blended, stabilised, clarified and bottled in mid April 2007.
Tasting Notes
This wine is the second release of the Protégé Rose with the first release 2006 selling out in 3 months! The colour is translucent fuchsia pink. The nose is singing with perfumed red berry fruits and a hint of Turkish delight. On the palate this Rose exhibits pristine confectionery flavours with a dash of quince. The finish is off-dry with a wonderful balance and elegance befitting this pretty and versatile style.
Rose is certainly best served chilled and can accompany all manner of occasions whether it be as a stand alone wine or with many of the Mediterranean lighter style dishes so much enjoyed these days in our modern, casual and outdoor lifestyle.
Assessment
(2006 release)
"This is one for the sweet tooth's but having said that, it is a beautifully enjoyable summer drinking rose. You could even add an ice block or two. Lots of vibrant light red berry and seductive violet overtones."
The West Magazine by Ray Jordan.
"Nose has a nice complexity with sweet strawberries, complex and long sweet fruit on the front palate follows through to a savoury finish."
National Liquor News.
Awards
Not shown to date |
