Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Description

Bruce and Jeanette Tomlinson established Lenton Brae Estate in 1982. It remains family owned and operated with son Edward the current winemaker.
The site of the vineyard was chosen after a chance conversation with Bill Pannell. Bill was the owner of Moss Wood winery and producing wines that were renowned throughout Australia and overseas. During a casual chat between the two men, Bill opined that the soils of one of the newly created properties were uniformly excellent and equal to those of the existing Moss Wood vineyard. Suitably impressed, Bruce decided to purchase the property immediately to the north of Moss Wood. The varieties selected for planting in 1982 were Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Pinot Noir was also originally planted but was removed in line with Bruce’s decision to focus Lenton Brae production on the red and white Bordeaux wine styles.

About this wine: “With this release, Lenton Brae celebrates 37 consecutive vintages of their famous SSB. The semillon is estate-grown from vines that are 35+ years old.  This vintage is comprised of 52% Semillon, 48% Sauvignon Blanc.  The sauvignon blanc is sourced from the cooler southern subregion of Karridale. It was picked at its optimal flavour in the cool of the night and processed immediately.  15% of each variety was fermented in new French Oak barrels of varying sizes. The balance of the wine was fermented in stainless steel.

There is a beautiful and complex nose here, exhibiting lifted notes of pawpaw, lime, and musk, with an underlying toastiness from the oak. Here is a crisp and full-flavoured SSB, with the delicate acidity running along the backbone of the wine, which allows the juicyness of the fruit to shine. Green apples, pink grapefruit and lime flavours along with some nuttiness from the oak. The finish is flavoursome, minerally, and long.

Winner Gold Medal at 2023 My Vintner WA Boutique & Single Vineyard Wine Show.

93 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “It kick starts with some tropical fruit flavours – the limes, the passionfruit and pith, the sugar snaps and feijoa – then ventures into a textural, savoury domain. Creaminess across the palate, lemon curd and oak spices at play, the new oak adding a tad more volume.”