Forefathers 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

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Philosophy

Forefathers Sauvignon Blanc comes from a single vineyard on an eastern slope in the heart of Marlborough. The vineyard is situated east of the town of Blenheim, on the Hawkesbury River, and is comprised of a gravely loam soil which allows for good control of irrigation, great exposure of the clusters, and long hang time. There is also good air change, which is key to winter frosts and summer heat.

The Sauvignon Blanc by Forefathers is one of three single vineyard wines produced by Goldschmidt Vineyards. The Forefathers' wines include a Shiraz from McLaren Vale in Australia, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley in California. "Forefathers" means "the best appellation, or the forefather appellation, for that varietal in the New World".

Winemaking

Forefathers' wines have structure, intensity and complexity. Only ripe grapes with excellent maturity and well-developed flavors are selected. Ripeness means intensity of flavors and weight in the mouth. The fruit was harvested at night to avoid the heat of the day and immediately pressed off to separate juice and skins. This makes the wine delicate and fruit-driven. The wine was tank fermented and left on lees to accentuate creaminess.

Characteristics

This wine offers citrus, stone fruit (peach) and pear characters in both aroma and taste. The wine is fully textural with good fruit and body in the mid-palate. The finish, being a little more structural, gives excellent length and delivery.

Winemaker Comments

"The key to Forefathers is balance and complexity with underlying power. On the palate the wine is firm, creamy and viscous. The long silky mouth makes the wine drink beautifully now, and will improve over the next three years. The 2006 vintage was another great vintage for New Zealand growers. The conditions were textbook throughout the growing season and it was a record harvest for New Zealand overall. Temperatures were a bit warm toward the end which means the grapes were picked at their optimal ripeness and full of flavor. This vineyard continues to give us beautiful, complex, Sauvignon Blanc year after year and this vintage has been one of the best yet. I hope you enjoy this wine I made." -- Nick Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt Vineyard | Forefathers

Goldschmidt Vineyards | P.O. Box 1639, Healdsburg, CA 95448 USA | T: 707.433.2061 | F: 707.433.3426
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