Producer Profile

This boutique winery in the heart of Margaret River creates idiosyncratic named ranges like Suckfizzle and Skuttlebutt in a low interventionist and organic way keeping their approach as simple as possible to allow their cherished vineyards to show their quality. It is not merely in the names where these wines are memorable, as once you have tasted them you will see why Luke Jolliffe, the winemaker, continues to receive recognition and awards from around the world for wines that have that wonderful Margaret River restraint and elegance, but are bound together with a fruit purity that makes them delectable.

Viticulture

Several vineyard sites are included in the making of this blended wine. All the Sauvignon Blanc sites are located in the southern part of the region in order to capture strong varietal intensity and high natural acidity. The Semillon is more broadly sourced from the south and centre of the region to include the full spectrum of Semillon’s varietal characteristics. It is important to indulge Semillon with soils of high natural moisture retention to ensure ripeness. The majority of fruit providing the backbone of the wine comes from the Luminosa and Forest Grove Vineyards.

Winemaking

Each vineyard that contributes to the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is vinified separately. The Sauvignon Blanc is barrel fermented in older oak, with the Semillon tank fermented. Barrel ferment temperature is controlled at several degrees higher that the tank components and the lees are stirred regularly in both tank and barrels for 2 months prior to blending, fining and filtration. Bottling occurs in June of the vintage year, in time for a spring release.

Oak Treatment

Time: 2 months
Type: Fermentation only
% wine oaked: 51
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

A charming combination of citrus blossom, lemon, lime and guava with a hint of musk, candied apple and floral aromas. Instantly pleasing with lovely weight and texture. Lemon, lime and citrus flavours follow through on the palate with refreshing natural acidity creating a very pleasing supple and salivating finish.

Food Matching

Particularly complements goat’s cheese, pistachios, rocket salad and barbecued prawns but the quintessential pairing is freshly caught and pan fried King George Whiting.

Awards

James Suckling 93 Points
Such fresh and attractive, lemon-focused aromas with a gently tropical edge, too. The palate has a supple, succulent feel with an attractively pithy, lemon and grapefruit core and very clear-cut, fresh acidity to close. Delicious. 93 Points, JS, April 2020.