Wilyabrup

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Lenton Brae has an unrivalled fidelity with blending Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc in Australia. In 2007, Lenton Brae celebrated 21 consecutive vintages of its Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. To mark this achievement, Lenton Brae produced a reserve wine blended from these two varieties. As the wine proved to be extremly popular, we have decided at add it to our cellar door and on-line exclusive range.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from the 26-year-old Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc vines on the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup. These vines have consistently produced the backbone of the standard Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and have great intensity and concentration.

The 2009 vintage was warm and dry providing perfect conditions for these early-ripening white varieties. The grapes were hand picked, chilled, gently pressed and blended (60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc) before fermentation in new French oak barrels. Post fermentation, the barrels were topped and stirred monthly. After 10 months maturation, the wine was stabilised and bottled with minimal filtration.

Aromatically, the wine displays restrained lemon and citrus notes with a subtle, savoury oak influence. On the palate, the wine’s entry is soft and creamy and finishes with bright acidity and persistence. Approachable now, the wine will soften and continue to integrate in the medium to loing term, though it has the fruit concentration to suggest long-term cellaring is possible. Suggested food pairings include fresh oysters and other shellfish.

Bottled December 2009.

Price: $45.00

"A very smart example of the complexity and character achievable in this blend. Spicy, buttery aromas, nutty barrel fermentation plus tropical fruits with a rich finely textured palate. Cellarworthy."

94/100

Huon Hooke, Sydney Mornong Herald, 25.5.10