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3 Bridges 2004 Golden Mist Botrytis Semillon
Riverina, New South Wales, Australia
Background
Westend Estate is a dynamic family owned winery located in Griffith, New South Wales - the heart of the Riverina. In 1945 Francesco and Elizabeth Calabria harvested and vintaged their first wine in the Riverina region of Australia. These wines were made in the tradition of their Italian heritage and with the excellent grape growing conditions the Riverina provided, a new boutique winery had emerged - Westend Wines. In 1974 their son Bill took over the company and since then has aimed at increasing both the quality and range of wines. This commitment to quality has reaped many rewards but it is the medals and trophies that are true testimony to his success. Bill has been involved in winemaking since he was 16 years old. During this time he has maintained the philosophy of "keeping it personal", so he can supervise every aspect of the winemaking process.
Westend Estate is a dynamic family owned winery located in Griffith, New South Wales - the heart of the Riverina. In 1945 Francesco and Elizabeth Calabria harvested and vintaged their first wine in the Riverina region of Australia. These wines were made in the tradition of their Italian heritage and with the excellent grape growing conditions the Riverina provided, a new boutique winery had emerged - Westend Wines. In 1974 their son Bill took over the company and since then has aimed at increasing both the quality and range of wines. This commitment to quality has reaped many rewards but it is the medals and trophies that are true testimony to his success. Bill has been involved in winemaking since he was 16 years old. During this time he has maintained the philosophy of "keeping it personal", so he can supervise every aspect of the winemaking process.
Winemaking Notes
The unique characters of this wine relate to the development of the mould Botrytis cinerea on Semillon grapes in the vineyard. Picked in late May, 2004 at a 25 Baume allows for the concentration of flavor, sugar and acidity in the grapes and imparts the distinctive Botrytis or noble rot characters. All grapes are solely sourced from Westend Estates Hanwood vineyard, where the
development of the mould is particularly prevalent and can be monitored during the delicate development stages. Botrytis mould is not a certainty from year to year. The timing between rainfall and heat dew has to be perfect for the mould to appear and replicate. Careful canopy management can help in creating the humid conditions, which help the infection along. Once picked careful handling of the grapes in this fragile state is needed in order to preserve the juice and flavors. The fruit is whole bunch pressed and cold settled before fermentation occurs in French oak barriques.
The unique characters of this wine relate to the development of the mould Botrytis cinerea on Semillon grapes in the vineyard. Picked in late May, 2004 at a 25 Baume allows for the concentration of flavor, sugar and acidity in the grapes and imparts the distinctive Botrytis or noble rot characters. All grapes are solely sourced from Westend Estates Hanwood vineyard, where the
development of the mould is particularly prevalent and can be monitored during the delicate development stages. Botrytis mould is not a certainty from year to year. The timing between rainfall and heat dew has to be perfect for the mould to appear and replicate. Careful canopy management can help in creating the humid conditions, which help the infection along. Once picked careful handling of the grapes in this fragile state is needed in order to preserve the juice and flavors. The fruit is whole bunch pressed and cold settled before fermentation occurs in French oak barriques.
Tasting Notes
Light golden in color with a powerful bouquet of pineapple, marmalade and Botrytis characters are complemented by toasty oak. An explosion of luscious flavors of ripe apricot burst onto the front of the palate and advance into the middle palate, there gathering in elements of spice and nutty oak. Delicious fruitiness and a hint of dry acid come through at the finish It is superb now and will easily cellar for 8 years. Serve with Foie Gras, cheese or dessert.
Light golden in color with a powerful bouquet of pineapple, marmalade and Botrytis characters are complemented by toasty oak. An explosion of luscious flavors of ripe apricot burst onto the front of the palate and advance into the middle palate, there gathering in elements of spice and nutty oak. Delicious fruitiness and a hint of dry acid come through at the finish It is superb now and will easily cellar for 8 years. Serve with Foie Gras, cheese or dessert.
Alcohol: 11%
pH: 3.65
TA: 7.5 g/l
pH: 3.65
TA: 7.5 g/l
92Deep gold. Honeyed apricot and peach aromas show good freshness and focus, and no funky botrytis tones. Broad, lush apricot and candied orange flavors are nicely defined, emphasizing freshness over sheer ripeness. Finishes on a brisk note of citrus peel, with no excess sweetness. Stephen Tanzer’s-International Wine Cellar
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