Coates The Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Description

Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene (Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine). His winemaking philosophy is simple: the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention – wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid).

Huon Hooke said: “ Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent…” Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe”  . Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from leading international website erobertparker.com said – “..a breath of fresh air in this area where a lot of producers seem to be following the herd down that incredibly ripe and sometimes over-ripe path that has caused not a few producers to come unstuck in heat-wave and drought conditions. These are superbly-crafted, well-priced wines that are wholeheartedly recommended’.

This extraordinary wine (70% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc) has gorgeous purity of citrus fruit, hints of tropical guava with more-ish creamy texture & toastiness. This is for the white Bordeaux lover with power and finesse. A delicious lunch wine. We have the last remaining stock in the country as this was snapped up by prestigous London wine retailer Berry Bros & Rudd! Stock up for festivities.

94 points James Halliday 2016 Australian Wine Companion “A 70/30% blend, the grapes picked at different harvest times, but held in stainless steel at low temperatures to settle and combine prior to fermentation on fine solids in new and 1-year-old French oak, held on lees for 9 months. The oak cost, combined with the ultra-low extraction rate through basket pressing (less than half the extraction through a pneumatic press, at around 320l per tonne) make this a very expensive wine to produce, further insult to injury through the small bottling run of 200 dozen. The complexity and structure provide some compensation, likewise the cellaring future through to ’20.”

RRP $27