We were touring the vineyard when Michael Downer was told this wine won Best Sauvignon Blanc of Show at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Naturally, we headed to the Exeter Hotel for a glass afterwards. The accolade, justified. A benchmark expression, the sweet green notes reigned in, not so much tucked away as they are integrated. The vintage's intensity is on full show; it's got a vital core of fruit in palate-staining lemon and grapefruit, and crystalline aromas of spice and candied ginger, apple and pineberry. A portion of the wine was barrel fermented, another left on skins, and the resulting texture drives the acids and fruits into stratospheric heights. A marvel from 20 years of hard work in the vineyard. - 95 points, Katrina Butler
