Isabel Estate. Block 5, rows 257 -430
Brook Vineyard
Sauvignon Blanc Clones: UCD 1 and 2, BDX 316 and 317, 5385
9th - 22nd April 2008
8th August 2008
The '08 season commenced in spectacular form - the warm Spring produced excellent flowering which in turn encouraged ample and healthy fruit bunches. This allowed us to 'drop' any bunches that were less than perfect, whilst leaving us with ideal crop level.s The growing season continued with consistent and warm weather enjoying drinks fo rain at just the right time. Canopy management was utilised to ensure fruit ripened slowly and the resultant flavours were impressive. To our luck, fruit ripened up a bit earlier than anticipated enabling us to bring fruit in before the rain hit!
The '08 season produced fnatastic fruit. Bunches ripened slowly and completely, producing nicely concentrated berries. To maximise flavour profiles and retain freshness, fruit was handled with care - beginning with hand picking in the hcilly morning hours. Bunches were kept whole and enjoyed coool maceration in stainlesstanks. The majority of the juice was cool fermented to preserve true varietal character and vineyard flavour. The remaining 5% was racked directly to French oak for fermentation. All wine enjoyed good time on the lees with regular stirring; contributing to palate texture, weight and mouth feel -simultaneously, balancing ripe fruit flavours and softening the natural acid.
Another vintage not with out it's challenges... Mike T, our trusty weatherman, has enabled us to escape unscathed! And thank heavens, because this year's wine is a cracker! Bright nose of tropical fruit and fresh citrus zest entices you from the get go. The palate follows in good form with tart gooseberries, ripe white peach nad a hint of fresh grass. Just enough natural aid to keep you yearning for more. In true Isabel fashion, this wine delivers concentrated flavour in an elegant package.
Brix: 23 - 25
pH: 3.41
T.A.: 7.3 - 8.5
13.5% alcohol
6.9g/l titratable acidity
3.5g/l residual sugar
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