The Vineyard
The 2020 vintage in Margaret River was a real treat for viticulturists, the culmination of a perfect growing season evolving into a temperate summer and long, mild autumn. Beautiful weather and lower yields gave sufficient time for fruit to reach its peak. In addition, the timely flowering of native marri trees kept the birds at bay and little to no rain meant that growers could literally “take their pick”.
This wine showcases beautiful sauvignon blanc from our two southern vineyards, about 15 minutes south of the Margaret River township. Differing greatly in terms of aspect, soil profile, temperature extremes and rainfall, these conditions contribute to a variation of fruit profile and allows us the opportunity to handle small parcels of sauvignon blanc in different ways each season depending on the specific vintage conditions.
Winemaking
The finest parcels of sauvignon blanc from the 2020 vintage were carefully machine harvested at night to preserve fruit freshness. The berries were gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle before being transferred for fermentation in a combination of French oak barrels (11% new oak), stainless-steel barrels and concrete egg. The wine was then left unsulfured for several weeks with a stirring regime monitored by tasting to refine the structure. Each batch was allowed to age on lees for 11 months. All of this accentuates the texture and personality of each parcel to build complexity. At allocation we bring these elements together to create the Wallcliffe that is expressive of our sites and our exploration with winemaking but never forgetting their origins.
Analysis
13.8% alcohol
6.31 g/l total acidity
3.21 pH
Suitable for vegans
James Halliday Wine Companion
This is typically heavy on oak on release, almost too much for immediate enjoyment, however, having had the pleasure of some older bottles, the oak is justified in time. The question is ... how long do we wait? Here: the harmony of a ripe, powerful vintage and the significant impact of oak means that the wine achieves a certain loud balance, even at this young, boisterous age. Buy it and save it for a couple of years at least, you'll be glad you did. Concentrated, intense and even pure. Very impressive.
