Darling Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

Planted strategically to capture cool Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that result in this fresh Sauvignon Blanc are on south-facing slopes.

At first subdued, the bouquet expands into tropical passionfruit, watermelon and pineapple aromas flavours that linger onto the palate.

A vibrant acidity underpins these and maintains a freshness throughout.

The winter and spring leading up to the 2021 vintage were amongst the driest in recent years.

Normal rainfall in the region is about 450 mm but in 2017 this was only 176 mm.

Winter temperatures were not as cold as normal ; unfortunately there was the expected heatwave at the end of October that rushed some of the earlier cultivars.

After that temperatures stayed on the higher-than-normal side and rain stayed away.

The ripening period was therefore shorter than normal due to the drier and warmer conditions.

With very little rain during the berry-setting and ripening period, the berries stayed small giving extra concentration and intense flavours.

All grapes were hand harvested before being crushed and de-stalked, followed by 14 days' fermentation at 13 degrees C.

The grapes and juice were handled reductively to prevent oxidation.

Although no oak was used, the wine was left on its lees for 2 months to add complexity.

• ❖ ABV: 13.5%