Spencer Hill Tasting Notes
Coastal Ridge Viognier
~ Limited Release ~
This first release of Viognier is made from ten year old vines. All of the grapes for production of this wine came from the Coastal Ridge vineyard located on a ridge just north of Nelson. Heavier soils and cool night time breezes off the ocean result in full flavoured grapes.
The grapes were hand harvested at over 24 brix to allow the full flavours of Viognier to show themselves.
- Vintage Conditions:
- The vintage started off late with cool weather. After warming mid season it turned cool and wet again in February, turning warm again until harvest. Harvest was quite delayed resulting in some very nice fruit flavours.
- Harvest Date:
- Early May 2004
- Vinification:
- The grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed, pressed and the juice allowed to settle overnight. Fermentation took place at cool temperatures on new French oak. Aging on oak was limited to retain the fresh, crisp characters. The wine was not allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation.
- Bottling Date:
- October 2004
- Alcohol:
- 13.5%
- pH:
- 3.21
- Acid:
- 7.2 g/l
- Residual Sugar:
- 2.0 g/l
- Colour:
- Brilliant straw yellow
- Bouquet:
- Lemons, floral and a hint of dried apricots.
- Palate:
- Lemon with more dried apricot. Very good balance of oak, acid and delicate fruit.
- Packaging:
- 6 x 750ml. Diam cork closure