Forefathers 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Philosophy

The name "Forefathers" is used to represent the unique qualities of the various varieties selected. These varieties are Sauvignon Blanc represented by Marlborough in New Zealand, Shiraz represented by Australia, and Cabernet represented by California in the US.

Each of these wines comes from a single vineyard in the premium appellation in each country for the variety. The approach is "hands-off" winemaking, in an attempt to show the true attributes for which Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough is known.

Vintage & Vineyards

The 2002 vintage was a more typical harvest, that featured long hang time for great flavor development. The cooler, longer harvest accentuates the spicy, citrus elements. This, combined with the naturally balanced acid, gives this wine a long structure and great texture making it a refined and delicate, classic Sauvignon Blanc. Since, our first vintage in 1998, this is the most interesting.

Winemaking

With Forefathers we are looking for structure, intensity and complexity. Only ripe grapes with excellent maturity and well-developed flavors are selected. The fruit was night harvested 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

Our 2002 Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus, stone fruit (peach) and pear characters both in 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.

Appellation:	Marlborough, New Zealand
Varietal Composition:	100% sauvignon blanc
TA:	6.3 g/liter
pH:	3.21
Alcohol:	13.0% by volume
Residual Sugar:	Dry

Winemaker Comments

"TThe 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 five years."

Food Paring Notes

Great with cream sauces, seafood, poultry, and prosciutto with asparagus and lemon.

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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