2008 JaneMoss Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

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(for delivery in Australia only)

2008 MARGARET RIVER
SEMILLON SAUVIGNON 
BLANC

Semillon is the grander varietal in the blend and thus is the dominant variety.  Elements for blending material for this wine are based on finesse and elegance.  What we reach out for is layers of fruit complexity running from the fresh pungency of semillon to the juicy fruit-ness of sauvignon blanc.

• 5 Stars Winestate Magazine
• Nick Stock Penguin Wine Guide 2009 90/100  ‘Stunning intensity here, rich ripe passionfruit and some grassy semillon in the background, superbly aromatic and tropical passionfruit, papaya and some grassy semillon.  Juicy and balanced.’
• Gourmet Traveller Wine Peter Forrestal “This family winery in Wilyabrup has never made better wines than under current winemaker Nav Singh.  This is a light, bright, crisp and refreshing Semillon Sauvignon blend.  Expect fragrant green beans, lychees and gooseberry flavours that are intense and true.”
• Australian Gourmet Pages Franz Scheurer “There is something about Jane Moss' Margaret River Semillon Sauvignon Blanc that pulls my strings. I love the New Zealand-like 'cat pissed on a gooseberry bush' aromas and its severity on the palate. This is a food wine, not an aperitif and, if the choice of food is prudent, an addictive drop. It loves simple things like avocado and chicken mayo rolls or sautéed white asparagus and hollandaise. I wouldn't drink it with freshly shucked oysters, but it will shine with deep-fried oysters with lots of salt and spices.”
• Silver Adelaide Wine Show 2008
  

2008 Vintage by Jeff Moss

Vintage 2008 was similar in many ways to that of 2007. As in 2007 rainfall was below average at 866mm March to March although reasonable falls occurred during July, August and September.  These were teasers only as anticipated spring and summer rains failed to eventuate.In late November the district experienced a severe weather event with significant hail damage occurring through out the region. Moss Brothers, always lucky; suffered only slight damage although set was adversely affected in both Chardonnay and Merlot.

Dry conditions prevailed then right through until the day we picked the last of the Cabernet. Not withstanding the lack of rain our vines remained in perfect health, vigorous green canopies totally disease free a testimony to the care and attention lavished on them.   

Ripening patterns and hence picking dates were almost identical to the day with 2007.  Vintage 2007 had prepared us for simultaneous ripening of reds and whites. 

Fruit from our vineyard was all of intense flavour particularly chardonnay which carried an unusually high percentage of hen and chicken berries more so than I can recall in my 40 years of experience with the variety. The resultant wine, destined for our Single Vineyard Chardonnay will be one to watch out for.

All in all a most satisfying and trouble free vintage, maybe a little less fruit than we wished for but certainly the high point thus far in our 24 years in Margaret River.

Wine Makers Notes

The fruit was picked at an average of 12 degrees Baume together with a good acid balance. Each variety was fermented separately in refrigerated stainless steel tanks to ensure the maintenance of the character of the fruit and aromatics.  Blending took place prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Fresh pale straw with green hues.

Bouquet: Atypical of this Margaret River blend with zippy characteristics of lemon and cut grass of semillon infused with the passionfruit and gooseberry of sauvignon blanc.

Palate: Perfect balance, full and textural, yet finishing with mouth cleansing acidity that carries the citrus, passionfruit and herb flavours all the way.

Wine maker: Navneet Singh and David Moss

Consultant wine maker: Jane Moss

Grape Variety:  55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc.

Soil Type: Laterite gravel loam

Average grape Baume: 12.5

Wine pH: 3.4  

Wine TA: 6.7gm/L

Alcohol: 13.0 % Alc/Vol

Standard drinks: 7.7

Closure: screw cap

Serving suggestions

This semillon sauvignon blanc would be delicious with grilled calamari, avocado salad, scampi, seafood risotto, antipasto, or roast spatchcock.