2006 Vintage

VineyardMThere are 6 acres of these vines, planted in January 2003 and 2004. Available as well for blending, were the fruit from 2 acres of Sémillon and 1 acre of Muscadelle.

VintageMA dry and warm vintage coming about 4 weeks early as a consequence of the prolonged warm late summer & autumn temperatures. The yield was 1-2 tons per acre.

Winemaking
The hand-harvested grapes were chilled in small sealed containers, to 2°C, immediately after picking. Grapes were destemmed and crushed and transferred to the pneumatic press by elevator. The juice from the press was kept cold and clarified by settling. And then was fermented cool (15°C) with selected yeast in a 4,000 litre tank, and another 2,000 litres was fermented & matured in old oak pièces (228 litre casks). The wine had some oak matured Sémillon blended into it before bottling.

Tasting Notes
This is not a 'feline' style with a short finish. It is complex with a distinct middle palate and long finish. Achieved by the combination of oaked and non-oaked wines with just a splash of Semillon, the flavours are still fresh with fruit and herbal hints. Seafood and salads await this wine.