Benchmark Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
{THE FRUIT}
Benchmark by Grant Burge, is the epitome of a great wine from South Australia. The name sets the high standard of quality, style and taste of the wine, which others strive to attain. Grant selects only the best parcels of grapes to make this premium, fruit-driven wine with excellent balance, which can be enjoyed without years of cellaring, and offers excellent value, quality and consistency. The 2009 vintage while warm at the beginning, then gave away to weather conditions well suited for growing quality Chardonnay fruit. A good portion of the grapes were harvested from the Barossa Valley, with additional fruit sourced from other premium grape growing regions in South Australia.
{THE WINEMAKING}
The fruit was crushed and the free-run juice drained from skins. Temperatures for fermentation were controlled at low temperatures to maximise the retention of the fruit’s fresh varietal flavours. A small portion of the Semillon remained in contact with yeast lees to enhance the richness of the wine. The different batches were then blended together to make a final composition.
{THE COMMENTS}
This popular blended style of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc shows bright lemon hues with hints of youthful green. A fresh crisp wine which shows true varietal characters of green melons and tropical fruits, guava, florals and herbaceous notes of freshly cut grass. These notes follow onto the palate which is round and full of generous fruit flavours, balanced with crisp acidity and finishes clean. The Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is designed for early drinking and is a perfect summer wine, well suited to spicy Asian dishes and simple seafood delights.