Tabula Rasa #V18W, Adelaide Hills

Vintage Conditions

Though 2017 was a late, cool and sometimes damp season, it ended with lower than average rainfall for the late season. Above average rainfall in July and August filled soil profiles and dams but from then on the season has been very dry. As low as 40% of average rainfall in areas such as Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. It is this dry weather that characterised the 2018 season and the low disease pressure coupled with ideal conditions for flowering and early development set the vines up for an excellent season. With virtually no rainfall between January and April, fruit quality in all areas was very good though some heat stress in February led to isolated defoliation, particularly on Shiraz. As we like to pick 'on the way up' our season began quickly with a number of varieties ripening at once but then progressed nicely, with the ability to pick when it suited given the settled weather.

Viticulture

All four varieties that make up #V18W comes from the same, single vineyard close to our winery in Lenswood, Adelaide Hills. A close planted, premium vineyard perfectly set up for cool climate viticulture. Vertical shoot positioning on a 2 wire system, shoot and fruit thinning where necessary followed by hand picking for careful selection.

Winemaking

A complex vinification in order to make a deliciously simple wine. Both the Sauvignon and Semillon are given 24 hours skin contact before crushing, pressing, settling and cool, fermentation. The Arneis and Petit Manseng were hand-picked, foot crushed, drained and added to the larger ferment which prolonged the ferment and added complexity and texture. Post primary fermentation, the wine was racked off gross lees before spending 2 months on fine lees prior to bottling.

Tasting

A seasonal white that reflects the character of the vintage in a delicious, textural style. Aromas of quince, preserved lemon and barley lead through to a zesty palate of citrus, elderflower, stone fruits and almond.

Blend: Semillon 70%, Sauvignon Blanc 20%, Arneis 6%, Petit Manseng 4%
Alcohol: 13%
Total Acidity: 5.4
pH: 3.3
Residual Sugar: 0.5g/l
SO2: 120mg/l
Fining: -
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes