A deep golden hue reflecting the extended hang time and concentrated botrytis-affected fruit. The nose is intensely aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, honey, orange marmalade and a touch of beeswax, layered over classic Sauvignon Blanc herbaceousness. On the palate, luscious tropical and stone fruit sweetness is beautifully balanced by the variety's signature crisp, zesty acidity, preventing any cloying heaviness. The mouthfeel is unctuous and viscous yet lifted. A wine of remarkable concentration, it finishes long, layered and lingering, with sweetness and freshness in harmony.
Try it with a sharp, aged blue cheese and honeycomb for contrast. For an unconventional dessert option, a saffron and cardamom crème brûlée mirrors the wine's honeyed, aromatic complexity beautifully.
Hot, windy conditions accelerated the growing cycle, bringing the harvest forward by roughly two weeks. Flowering and fruit set progressed smoothly despite occasional winds, and careful monitoring ensured pollination was unaffected. Berry size increased, resulting in higher yields per hectare, even as cluster numbers were slightly lower — a reflection of productive vines and careful vineyard management. Overall, sugar balance, acidity, and phenolic ripeness developed as expected, setting the stage for wines with structure, elegance, and ageing potential.
