2018 Geoff Weaver Sauvignon Blanc

Crop levels of 3.1kg/vine were close to our long-term average of 2.7kg/vine. Harvest was in early March, two weeks earlier than our long-term average harvest date of 24th March. There is a clear trend to earlier harvest dates over the 31 years we have been growing Sauvignon Blanc. Hand picking occurred in mild weather from 4th to 6th March. Heat degree day summation for the year was 1335; a little over our long-term average of 1270 Heat Degree Days (HDD). We saw a cool start in October and November and a warm finish in February and March mercifully free of extreme heat. Our vines show the benefits of maturity with good balance of crop and leaf plus more stable crops. The growing season rainfall was 420mm of rain October to March above our long-term average of 230mm. Of this 312mm fell in the October to December period. Disease pressure was consequently high early in the season but ripe healthy grapes were harvested. We grow our grapes without irrigation and they benefit, I believe, from deep roots sustaining them rather than more shallow ones subject to downpours and dry spells.
We crush, destem, gently air bag press the grapes. Clear settle juice and cold ferment to dryness. No need for additions of acid (which is so common in Australia) Our approach is to make the wine as naturally as possible with minimal additions. The fresh aromatics of the fruit are retained and, with gentle air bag pressing, harsh extractives are not generated.
It shows lifted aromas of pear, cut grass and hints of flowers. Fresh, fragrant and complex. Fresh fruit with a lively, juicy richness on the palate and a lingering, fresh acid edge to the finish. Full, long and delicate. Lively, tightly structured wine but with a generous, supple mid palate and a fine, long, savoury finish. – Geoff Weaver