1999

Noble Rot Semillon

Australia, South Australia, Barossa

$40 AUD

Release Price

1999-2009

Drink Window

11.9

ABV

3.34

pH

8.5

TA

RS

From The Winemaker

For centuries in Europe very late harvest wines have been made from grapes infected in the vineyard with the Botrytis cinerea mould, such as French sauternes and German beerenauslese. This mould, known as the Noble Rot, develops in the ripening grape berries causing higher sugar and acid levels to be achieved with corresponding enhancement of flavours and lusciousness of the wine.

Growing Conditions

The weather conditions during the 1999 vintage, in the cool climate of the Eden Valley area, encouraged a rapid natural development of noble rot in most varieties.

Nose

Hints of herbs, crème brûlée, honey, orange peel and cloves/peardrops on the bouquet.

Palate

Rich, sweet, luscious, oily palate, unctuous and very smooth, with a good acid balance and a long lingering finish.

Appearance

Gold in colour with a slight hint of green.

Food Pairing

Cakes or pastries with poached or baked quinces and real egg custard; creamy rich blue cheeses with fresh pears and crusty bread; fresh fruit desserts such as cherries, mangoes, pears, berry fruits and Bavarian cream.

Harvest

The botrytis semillon and chardonnay were picked in May at 43% sugar. The resultant wine has a natural residual sweetness of 19%, and intense complex varietal bouquet and flavour.

Past Vintages