2008 Brightside Nelson Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaking notes
Fruit for this wine was sourced from three vineyards located on the Waimea plains - 57% Golden Hills, 28% Livingston Road (Estate vineyard) and the remaining 15% from the original home block known as River Terrace. The blocks have vines of varying ages and were picked at ripeness levels from 21.4ª - 23.1ª Brix, giving a broad spectrum of flavours in the finished wine.
The fruit was machine harvested followed by crushing and pressing with our new Diemme equipment that proved extremely gentle and time efficient. Pressing was reductive, avoiding juice oxidation and the majority of the clear juice was cool fermented using a variety of commercial yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Temperature control ensured the ferments were long and slow to retain primary fruit character.
Most of the tank fermented wine had minimal post-fermentation lees influence to preserve fruit character, although a portion was left on lees to develop textural interest. Also 4% was fermented in old oak barrels and matured for several months to give added palate weight and texture without any true oak character being imparted to the wine. Another portion was stop-fermented to give around 5g/l residual sugar in the final blend.
Fruit from various sources, different ripeness levels and the use of several winemaking techniques has developed a level of complexity in the wine which makes for an appealing style of Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine Analysis
Residual sugar 5g/l
pH 3.02
Titratable acidity 7.5
Alcohol 13.7%
Tasting notes
Lifted nose conjures up a medley of fresh fruit ranging from tropical passionfruit and feijoa through to ripe citrus, and generously seasoned with summer herbs like mint and fennel. The palate is bright and zesty with a touch of sweetness imparting softness. Its fresh and long and hits the spot with juicy drinkability.
Bronze medal, Liquorland Top 100, August 2008 Silver Medal, International Cool Climate Wine Show, March 2009
