Vineyard
The wine for Yealands Way Sauvignon Blanc is produced from 14 different blocks on Seaview Vineyard.
The Seaview vineyard is exposed to some of the toughest growing conditions in Marlborough; high sunshine and wind, cool nights and low rainfall which produces a smaller, thicker skinned berry with intense fruit flavours.
The rolling contours of the vineyard result in significant variation (smaller, more intensely fla-voured fruit on the ridges, balanced by lush growth in the gullies). In all, over 70 separate par-cels of sauvignon blanc were harvested from the Seaview Vineyard, with 14 different blocks making up this wine.
After a wetter than usual period in February, the vineyard enjoyed a long Indian Summer with perfect ripening conditions for March and April. Vintage 2009 commenced 2 April, slightly later than 2008. We enjoyed harvesting a wide range of flavours of the different blocks within the Seaview Vineyard, ranging from the distinctive crushed thyme/wet stone/ mineral characters to blackcurrant bud and the more tropical flavours such a guava and passion-fruit.
Winemaking
We harvested individual parcels of Sauvignon Blanc and fermented each parcel individually, then selected 14 parcels for the Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc. A long cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks over four weeks ensured optimal fruit characteristics were captured and maintained. Post fermentation the wines were racked off fine lees and left to settle. After a lengthy blending session to determine the blend components the wines were then blended, stabilised and filtered.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
The 2009 Yealands Way Sauvignon Blanc 2009 shows lifted blackcurrant notes underpinned by guava and fresh herbal aromas. The palate is full and structured and exudes fresh herbs, nettle and a long, mineral finish.
Notes from Yealands