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1997 - Chalk Hill Botrytised Semillon |
Product Code: CHAL1997000832
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Semillon was planted on the Chalk Hill Estate in 1981 and this vineyard was chosen to take advantage of Semillon's susceptibility to botrytis, or "noble rot". This block lies at the bottom of a north-facing slope, sheltered by the hills to the east and west. There is little morning or afternoon sun, and moisture burns off slowly late in the season. After the grapes are fully ripe, light rainfall encourages botrytis development. When this is followed by a period of warm, dry weather the fruit is desiccated, concentrating the acid and sugar. This rare combination of events occurred in 1997, and a small lot of Semillon and Sauvignon blanc was finally harvested in late October at nearly 40° Brix.
The fruit was pressed gently, and the inoculated juice was fermented in new barrels. Fermentation ceased naturally with nearly 15% residual sugar and alcohol slightly over 14%, a natural balance redolent of great Sauternes. The wine was aged sur lies for twelve months in new French oak, then racked and aged for an additional fifteen months. It was bottled, unfined, following a light filtration for clarification.
WS: 92
Smells and tastes like a macaroon, complete with coconut, fig, apricot, banana, vanilla and toasty oak, gaining richness and depth on a long, complex finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2009. 1,100 cases made.
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