Zerk Semillon Viognier

{Awards Tally}

Gold Medals 2
Silver Medals 12
Bronze Medals 24
Trophies 3

{Tasting Notes}

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Vineyard Range Zerk Semillon Viognier

{THE FRUIT}

The Semillon fruit for this wine come predominately from the Zerk Vineyard, owned by fourth generation Barossan, Robert Zerk and his wife Janine. As the vines are over 70 years old, they produce fruit with great depth, flavour and complexity. The Viognier fruit is sourced from the cooler climate of the Adelaide Hills, a region well suited to growing white varieties. The 2008/09 growing season saw average rainfalls throughout the year with a warm October and extreme heat just prior to vintage beginning. The warm temperature and lower levels of subsoil moisture saw the crops with lower yields than average, however the fruit showed clean varietal characters.

{THE WINEMAKING}

The grapes were mainly handpicked at 13.3° Baumé to maintain the fruit colour and flavour. The Semillon fruit was crushed and de-stemmed and the Viognier component whole-bunch pressed to increase the elegance of the wine. After crushing and draining, the Semillon juice was transferred to stainless steel tanks to begin fermentation; while the Viognier was fermented in 2 and 3 year old French oak. The Viognier was then matured in the same oak as used during fermentation therefore utilising less stirring to increase palate complexity for four months. The Semillon was kept in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness.

{THE COMMENTS}

The 2009 Semillon Viognier has pale straw colouring with hints of green. The wine shows a complex yet delicate bouquet of citrus blossom, apricots, orange sherbet and candied lemon citrus. The palate is rich and mouth filling with fresh fruit flavours and hints of shortbread from the oak and lees contact. A beautifully balanced wine with fresh acidity which also lends generous length of flavour and a clean finish. The Zerk Semillon Viognier is ready to drink now, or will mature for up to eight years. The wine is a delicious match with full-flavoured fish, lighter meats and mild spicy Asian dishes.

{THE REVIEWS}