2023 Gathering Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Vineyard Location

Nestled within the Hahndorf estate, our single vineyard parcel boasts a unique terroir for the Gathering Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. With two separate blocks on the estate, the Sauvignon Blanc thrives on a gentle north-facing ridge, while the Semillon graces a steeper yet uniformly south-facing aspect. The lean soils contribute to low vine vigour, yielding small, compact, and intensely flavoured bunches. Handpicked on March 23, 2023, these distinct blocks converge to create a wine that encapsulates the essence of our estate.

Season

Vintage 2023 unfolded as a prolonged cool season influenced strongly by La Niña. Steady ripening and low crop loads ensured optimal maturation of all varieties. A delayed flowering and fruit set due to cool to cold temperatures in October and November extended into veraison occurring up to one month later than the average. Mild summer temperatures and above-average rainfall in late January provided ideal conditions. The unseasonably cool Spring led to a delayed harvest, lingering into May. The resulting wines from 2023 are richly flavoured, incredibly aromatic, and of extremely high quality.

Vinification

Handpicked in the cool early morning, both Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes were delivered directly to the winery. Whole bunch pressing, taking the pure free-run portion, preceded settling the juice for 6 hours before racking into barrels. Fermentation occurred in a mix of 225L Barriques and 500L Puncheons, using cultured yeast for enhanced varietal characters and texture. After 2 to 3 weeks of steady fermentation, the wines sat in barrel on lees for an additional 6 months. Blind tastings guided the blending process, resulting in a ratio of 72% Sauvignon Blanc to 28% Semillon.

Technical

Clone: F4V6 | Old Madeira • Alcohol: 13.0% • Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/L • Total Acidity: 6.7 g/L • pH: 3.25 • Altitude: 417m • Slope: South and North-facing • Vegan: Yes • Contains sulphites

Grape Variety

72% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon

Food Match

Pan-fried scallops or lobster

Production

6,122 Bottles

Winemaker

The Lane Vineyard

Best Drinking

Cellar up to 10 years

Size

750ml