2008 MadFish Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Tasting Notes

A dry winter in 2007 was followed by some unusually cold spring weather in October which combined to reduce cropping levels. A benign late spring and early summer allowed for even and clean fruit development and harvest of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon began in late February.

The 2008 season has delivered us fine and linear fruit flavours: rich and rounded Frankland Sauvignon Blanc; pungent and finer Mt Barker Sauvignon Blanc; leafy and dried herb aromatics from the Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc; citrus and passionfruit characters with richer palate weight from Margaret River Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The increased lateral shoot growth this season led to bunch shading and subsequently increased acidity and length of flavour.

The wine is unwooded, with fermentation occurring in stainless steel tanks and then bottled at an early age. All components were kept separate and blended to produce a wine of outstanding primary Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon fruit characters. Some skin contact and a low temperature fermentation regime were adopted to enhance and preserve the finer fruit characters of these aromatic varieties. A small component fermented in older oak has added richness and weight to the palate.

The wine is very pale with green hues. The aroma has real punch driven very much by cool climate Sauvignon Blanc characters; snow pea, passionfruit and herbal aromas with some citrus notes. The Semillon provides some mid palate intensity as well as some attractive lemon rind characters. The feature of the wine is the freshness, vitality and brightness of the palate with a core of very clean and pure fruit with crisp and refreshing acidity. The finish is dry and clean.

This wine is designed to be drunk in its youth. The clean, pure fruit flavours and fresh, vibrant structure are particularly delicious when young.