Winemaker Notes
Despite being a good match for fish, the name has little to do with sea going creatures. A fishplate is the colloquial term for the plates that collect the grape bunches on a harvester. The Adelaide Hills vineyard this wine is sourced from follows the contours of a steep hill which causes some very tight turns and awkward manoeuvres for the drivers. This often results in a broken fishplate, a dilemma that is not easily or quickly resolved for the driver. So this wine is a tribute to the hard working vineyard workers who are constantly repairing fishplates.
The Characteristics
The nose is lifted and expressive with tropical fruits dominating. Guava and passion fruit spring to mind. Along with the fruit there are underlying aromatic herb botanicals.
On the palate the tropical fruits are joined by cumquat and candied limes and the crisp greenness is reminiscent of crunchy snow peas.
This wine is both luscious yet focused with fresh mineral vibrancy that you get from cool climate Adelaide Hills fruit. A Sauvignon Blanc for those who want to be intrigued by the second glass; a luscious mid palate with a long, focused mineral finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
A refreshing sauvignon for a fish stew or roast barramundi, this brings the cool of the Adelaide Hills in its tangy scents of lime and parsley. It's smooth, with rich citrus flavors that last in a clean line.
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.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.