Blend: Semillon 60%, Sauvignon Blanc 40%
Region: Margaret River
Terroir: The fruit for this wine is from the second vineyard block planted on the Clairault property in 1979. The vineyard has a Nor-westerly aspect with a North-South row orientation. The soils are deep free draining gravel-loam over calcified clay. The vines were originally trained to a double cordon lyre trellis but were converted to single cordon wire in 2003. The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc was 4-caned pruned while the Semillon was 2 -cane pruned.
The soils are nurtured through the use of only biological inputs, no synthetic fertilizers, no systemic fungicides, no insecticides, and minimal to nil tilling. Rye grasses, clovers, and natural swards are allowed to grow under the vines during the winter, dying off during the dryness of summer to form and mulch layer that suppresses weeds and retains moisture. Plant nutrition is helped through the use of composts, kelp extracts and fish emulsions. Soil life is encouraged and protected so it can play its role of breaking down organic matter, releasing nutrients and aerating the soil.
Vintage: The 2011 vintage and growing season was fairly typical of most Margaret River vintages i.e., a cool to mild autumn with the regular occurrence of rain up until the summer solstice followed by warm, dry conditions with moderating afternoon sea breezes through to early April. The autumn conditions set the vines up for the dry summer, with a strong healthy canopy and good fruit set. Disease and birds pressure was minimal in 2011.
Yields: Sauvignon Blanc 8.2 tonnes/hectare (3.3 tonnes/acre) Semillon 9.1 tonnes/hectare (3.7 tonnes/acre)
Vinification: Both varieties were picked on the same day at a combined Baume of 11.8, allowing for the fruit to be crushed and pressed as one. After a quick settling (NTU=173), the juice was transferred with additions to lightly toasted French oak barrels (10% New) for 9 months of fermentation and ageing. Upon completion of fermentation the barrels were sulphured, then stirred and topped fortnightly til November. Prior to bottling the wine was protein and cold stabilised and finely filtered.
Colour: Pale Straw
Aroma: Lemon meringue, orange blossom, wet straw, honey dew melon with a touch of vanilla, coastal scrub, and seaweed. The aroma is attractive, uplifted and layered.
Palate: The palate displays a lovely textural length, combined with a soft acidity and freshness. It is a gentle palate that lets the fruit and textural complexities shine.
