Details
The lead-up to the 2011 vintage saw a return to normal conditions. A milder winter with average rainfalls led into a cool spring and a late budburst, interspersed with numerous significant rainfall events beginning at flowering, accompanied by persistent morning fogs, as well as snow in October and frost in November. This led to some crop loss in some of our more sensitive varieties susceptible to downy mildew. Despite this, vine growth and fruit development continued at a steady and even pace. Summer was generally mild with significant thunderstorm activity largely skirting Lenswood.
Veraison began in late February, heralding a late beginning to the harvest with mild temperatures causing a nervous anticipation of what was potentially a very high quality crop. Only powdery mildew could affect the outcome, so great attention was paid to leaf plucking around bunches and disease monitoring. Bunch and berry weight were lower, which resulted in lower yields and greater concentration of colour and flavour in the fruit. The unseasonal rain, high humidity and mild conditions during autumn encouraged the spread of fungal diseases. Botrytis developed quickly under ideal conditions, making hand-selection essential. Fortunately, the cool summer had allowed for early flavour development at lower than normal sugar levels, and despite the difficult conditions, the Adelaide Hills produced some excellent whites, inparticular riesling and sauvignon blanc.
In the Bottle
| Vintage | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% sauvignon blanc grown on Henschke Archer’s vineyard at Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills. |
| Technical Details | Harvest Date: 30 March-15 April Alcohol: 12.5% | pH: 3.1 | Acidity: 7.8 g/L |
| Maturation | Fermented in tank and bottled post-vintage (no oak or tank maturation) to preserve the wine’s aromatic fruit characters. |
| Background | This sauvignon blanc is a tribute to the historic Coralinga homestead and apple orchard that was destroyed by bushfires in the early 1900s. The homestead was situated close by Henschke’s Lenswood property in the heart of the South Mount Lofty Ranges. At 550m, Lenswood has higher rainfall and humidity at the right time of the year, cooler temperatures to retain high natural acidity and still enough sunshine to fully ripen the grapes. The exotic aromatic qualities of the sauvignon blanc reflect the exceptional site of these vineyards and the suitability of this variety to the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills region. |
| Cellaring Potential | Great vintage, 5+ years. |
Vintage 2010, Canberra Times, Fergus McGhie
Bright crunchy and fresh. It’s like a mouthful of red delicious apples and guava juice. It also has a clean dry finish
Vintage 2009. September 2009, Nick Stock, Wine 100
Fresh herbs and bright citrus, an all-round set of Hills Sauvignon characters with decent intensity. The palate has bracing tangy acidity and a really crisp, assertive side to it. Nice concentration here, this has really punchy appeal. 92 Points.
Vintage 2005. August 2007, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
Light straw-green; the bouquet is faintly reductive, but the wine is redeemed by the strength of the palate; long, lingering and focused, finishing with tangy/citrussy acidity. Rating 93/100.