Rock Ferry Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008

      

Vineyard:                  The Corners.
 
Region:                      Wairau Plains, Marlborough. The vineyard is situated within an ancient bend of the Opawa River and the vineyard name The Corners in fact refers to the shape of the road which follows this old river channel.

 

Vintage:                     The 2008 vintage had ideal growing conditions throughout the season only dampened by rain in the latter part of the harvest. Warm flowering conditions in late spring suggested good crop levels and alternating periods of rain and sun over summer provided the optimal grape growing momentum to harvest time. Early varieties were picked in perfect conditions while strict selection in picking the later varieties saw good quality fruit come in.
Viticulture:              Our aim is best summed up by 'fine wine begins with the vine'. Our approach is through organic and bio-dynamic viticulture (The Corners Vineyard is in conversion to BioGro NZ certification) where we strive for balance in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of our particular site.

Winemaking:           Hand harvested then whole bunch pressed, clear juice settled overnight then racked to oak barrel (7% new oak), pressings (20%) processed separately and blended back at pre-bottle. Lees stirred post ferment. Filtered but not fined prior to bottling.

Yeast:                         80% cultured, 20% indigenous (free run component cultured (VL3), pressings component indigenous)

Maturation:              In barrel on ferment lees     Duration:  3 ½  months

Tasting Notes:         Concentrated gooseberry and tropical fruit aromas are complemented by subtle oak and mineral nuances. The palate is full bodied and seamless with a creamy texture derived from extended lees contact.   

Food Match:             Linguine with Green Lipped Mussels, shallots, baby capers & lemon crème fraîche

Cellaring:                  Recommended 2 to 5 years.

Technical:                 alc  13 %,     pH 3.27,       TA 7.3 g/l,        RS 6.8 g/l

Bottling Date:          3 September 2008
 
Winemaker:              Allan McWilliams