1998 Rosemount Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Bright deep straw colour with a hint of green. Delicate grassy, sherbet nose. The palate is light with grassy, gooseberry flavours emerging. Soft acid finish with a hint of tropical fruit. A commercial quaffer.

ROSEMOUNT ESTATE TASTING NOTES.

WINEMAKER: Philip Shaw

ORIGIN: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is one of the classic combinations of popular white winemaking, having its origins in the dry white wines of Bordeaux. In Australia it has proved highly successful, the added dimension of fruit ripeness that our climate brings giving these wines great freshness and clarity of flavour.

VITICULTURAL NOTES: Parcels of the fruit were picked early in the season to achieve higher natural acidity and an inherent liveliness which would blend well with the fuller flavours of later picked components. The Semillon was hand-picked in the cool of morning, whilst the Sauvignon Blanc was machine harvested at night. Harvesting at low ambient temperatures helped to capture freshness of flavour and avoided potential heat damage to the fruit.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: After careful crushing, the fruit was gently pressed. The early pressings showed elegant fresh flavour with good varietal definition and were therefore set aside for use in this wine. Having allowed the solids to settle, the clear juice was inoculated with selected yeast so as to ensure optimum retention of crisp, clean fruit flavours through the fermentation. Fermentation ensued at a cool 12-14º Celsius, also helping to retain freshness.The 1998 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is and excellent example of the strengths of this classic blend. It shows a bright, pale straw colour with a green hue. The aroma is attractive and lively, with green fruits, capsicum and notes of fresh green salad. Beneath this is the complementary fresh citrus character of the Semillon component. The wine has a mouth watering, zippy crispness and well defined varietal fruit flavours of green apple and tangerine on the palate with a fresh, clean finish. Served chilled, this wine makes a delicious and refreshing drink. It is an excellent aperitif and fine accompaniment to green salads, fish dishes and most entrees or light meals.