2023 Metricup Road Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

colour

Brilliant pale straw with a fresh green rim.

aroma & palate

Punchy, lifted Semillon aromatics of lemon grass, gooseberry and nectarine are a feature of the 2023 blend, with the Sauvignon Blanc adding refreshing grassy, lime and passionfruit notes to make this much-loved Margaret River blend.

The palate has wonderful juiciness and a salivating acidity whilst having the hallmark texture from a portion (12%) being wild fermented then matured on light yeast lees in seasoned French oak barrels.

cellaring

Drinking beautifully now, or over the next 2–3 years. 

vintage

We had a mild spring with adequate soil moisture, resulting in a slightly later season. A moderate summer led to ideal ripening conditions with little pressure in the vineyard and a lack of any major rain events during the ripening season. Consistently warm days and cool evenings made for great retention of acid within the grapes, whilst achieving optimal fruit expression.

winemaking

The fruit for this wine comes from our Karridale and Wilyabrup vineyards with each vineyard having multiple picks at various degrees of ripeness to impart aromatic, flavour and textural complexity. This is enhanced by the ripest portion of each variety being barrel fermented with the inclusion of light solids (the Sauvignon Blanc, with its pressings fraction returned, all in 500L puncheons - and the only portion wild fermented - and the Semillon in barrique) both which represent 12% of the final blend. The balance was fermented in stainless steel tank as clear juice. All parcels remained on light yeast lees for 3 months to harmonise and integrate the wine with the aim of producing a style which will drink best beyond its current vintage year. The 2023 blend saw slightly more Semillon being used due to the strength of this variety and to achieve the house style.

region

Margaret River

varieties

68% Semillon
32% Sauvignon Blanc 

analysis

• Alcohol: 12.3%
• Acidity (TA): 6.76 g/L
• pH: 3.15

Salt and pepper squid with aoili.