Bannockburn Vineyards long ago established itself as one of Australia’s leading producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Now under the winemaking guidance of New Zealand-born Michael Glover, Bannockburn continues to flourish. It does so by emphasizing individuality and expressing the importance of site. It is fair to say that Bannockburn, particularly with Michael Glover at the winemaking helm does not follow a prescriptive rule book.
Bannockburn’s Sauvignon Blanc is a case in point. For one, it is not 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is blended in for aromatic lift, and Chardonnay for textural weight. Moreover, the wine is partially fermented in barrel; French oak and Italian acacia. The result is an arresting wine that is as much about texture as it is about flavour.
Forget about commercial New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Forget about Sancerre. This Friuli-inspired wine will challenge those who have cast aspersions toward Sauvignon Blanc; though to be truthful, the identity of the dominant grape variety is incidental here. This is an intelligently put together and immaculately crafted contemporary dry Australian white wine. One hopes it’s not too long before varietal labelling can be dispensed with, allowing the wine to be whatever the vineyard, vintage conditions and Michael Glover’s whim permit.
2011 SAUVIGNON BLANC
Producer: Bannockburn Vineyards
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2011
Region: Geelong, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $29.99
Date tasted: 8 September 2012
Tasting Note:
Pale silvery lemon. Lifted aromatic nose of freshly chopped herbs, lemon zest, smoky overtones. Medium bodied, developing palate weight as it warms up in the glass, quite a textural wine, slightly herbaceous, lemon/grapefruit citrus, oak very much in the background, lending texture and structure. Finishes long with fine acids.
Score: 17.5/20
Bannockburn’s Sauvignon Blanc is a case in point. For one, it is not 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is blended in for aromatic lift, and Chardonnay for textural weight. Moreover, the wine is partially fermented in barrel; French oak and Italian acacia. The result is an arresting wine that is as much about texture as it is about flavour.
Forget about commercial New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Forget about Sancerre. This Friuli-inspired wine will challenge those who have cast aspersions toward Sauvignon Blanc; though to be truthful, the identity of the dominant grape variety is incidental here. This is an intelligently put together and immaculately crafted contemporary dry Australian white wine. One hopes it’s not too long before varietal labelling can be dispensed with, allowing the wine to be whatever the vineyard, vintage conditions and Michael Glover’s whim permit.
Producer: Bannockburn Vineyards
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2011
Region: Geelong, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $29.99
Date tasted: 8 September 2012
Tasting Note:
Pale silvery lemon. Lifted aromatic nose of freshly chopped herbs, lemon zest, smoky overtones. Medium bodied, developing palate weight as it warms up in the glass, quite a textural wine, slightly herbaceous, lemon/grapefruit citrus, oak very much in the background, lending texture and structure. Finishes long with fine acids.
Score: 17.5/20
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