Voyager
Estate Harvest Update - 23rd Feb 2012
Harvest has
been progressing very nicely with consistent warm weather and no rainfall. The
heat of January has subsided and the past couple of weeks have seen perfect
ripening conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Our
Chardonnay harvest is completed and the wine is fermenting beautifully in
barrel.
Currently
we are busy harvesting Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon which is right in the fruit
flavour window we look for with these two varieties. Tropical fruit flavours of
passionfruit and guava with some citrus and white stonefruit from the
Sauvignon Blanc, combine perfectly with the citrus and straw from the Semillon.
The Sauvignon Blanc provides aromatics and vibrancy whilst the Semillon is
important for palate weight and texture. Around 20% of the Semillon component
will go to new French oak for fermentation, whilst the rest of the blend is
fermented in stainless steel tank to retain freshness and vibrancy.
The most
amazing thing about this vintage is the early tannin ripeness we are seeing in
the reds. Similar to the great 2010 vintage, the tannins and seeds are ripe
already, which will enable early harvest on the reds and more elegant fruit
flavours with lower alcohols. Fingers are crossed for an exceptional red wine
vintage!.
Cheers,
Steve
James.
