Winemaker Notes
Clear pale white-gold with a rim edge that just hints viscosity. The minerals, granite and slate of place meet gooseberries and cucumber skin of fruit aromatics. Fresh green peppercorn and ozone. A rifled, spinning line of acidity pierces the entire palate, around which a more tactile and talcum yet creamy fruit quality persists; the back palate has a clean, rainwater mouthfeel and the after taste is ever so faintly spicy. Flavors of nettle and gooseberry return to make a balanced and complete glass of fresh white wine.
Whilst Sauvignon Blanc often lends itself so effortlessly to pert, fresh, spicy tastes of South East Asian foods-as this one will-the Wishing Clock has an extra dimension that also suits it to full-flavored and robust antipasto, to tapas, to the cold dishes and salads of the south of France, and to the most authentic representations of Mexican cuisine. Warmer weather only makes this white wine's versatility grow, particularly at luncheon.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
A narrow band of hills and valleys east of the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills region is a diverse landscape featuring a variety of microclimates. In general it is moderate with high-altitude areas cooler and wetter compared to its warmer, lower areas.
Piccadilly Valley, the part of Adelaide Hills closest to the city, was first staked out by a grower named Brian Croser, in the 1970s for a cool spot to grow Chardonnay, then uncommon in Australia. Today a good amount of the Chardonnay goes to winemakers outside of the region.
Producers here experiment with other cool-climate loving aromatic varieties like Pinot Gris, Viognier and Riesling. Charming sparkling wine is also possible. On its north side, lower, west-facing slopes make full-bodied Shiraz.