Priory Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (screw cap)

Produced from a warmer vintage for Tasmania this wine shows more pungent varietal aromas and characteristics with real complexity. Ripe intense fruit with balanced acidity giving length and shape to the palate.

Priory Ridge

Located in the tiny settlement or Priory just 3 kms inland from the township of St Helens on the northern part of Tasmania’s east coast, not far from the Bay of Fires. The property has been in the family of Julie Llewellen since 1889 and in the last 20 years has been planted with 20 hectares of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc and small amounts of other white varieties on an ideal warm north facing slope where the soil is decomposed Devonian granite which seems to confer a signature freshness and minerality into the wines produced.

Winemaking for the Pinot Noir is all done at the Apsley Gorge winery by Brian Franklin who also does vintage each year in Burgundy with Philippe Charlopin (who was mentored by his friend Henri Jayer) in Gevrey Chambertin. Brian’s approach to winemaking for these wines is similar to his own Apsley Gorge wines, aiming for full phenolic ripeness harvesting as late as possible to ensure ripe pips and stems and letting ferment begin slowly and naturally with just natural yeast and no S02 used at all during vinification, maturation and elevage which is made in mostly aged French barriques. Ageing on lees for more than 18 months for the Pinot Noir and 12 months for the Sauvignon Blanc results in remarkable texture and depth with just a tiny amount of S02 is used at bottling. These are exciting and unique wines of remarkable complexity.