Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday and has since grown to become one of Australia's leading and most awarded small wineries. Sourced predominantly from hillside vineyards in the cool Upper Yarra, the fruit was gently pressed and unlike previous years, almost forty percent was barrel fermented in older French oak barriques and puncheons. A small quantity of Semillon from the Lower Yarra was used to add complexity and texture to the wine. The resultant wine is a blend of small batches that were either fermented in stainless steel using cultured yeast strains or fermented wild in barrel. All parcels were held on fine lees for six months prior to blending and bottling.

Vineyard Region: Yarra Valley

Vintage Conditions: The growing season began well, as winter rainfall had provided some moisture to the soil and the risk of frost had been reduced. However, well below average spring rainfall caused considerable concern, with irrigation dams being at record low levels. Fortunately, late spring and early summer rains fell just at the right time, particularly as fruit set and crops were above average. A cool February allowed even ripening with good acid retention, however a blistering heatwave in March made conditions extremely difficult. A vintage with two distinctive halves, 2008 will be remembered as being compressed, hot and very challenging.

Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Maturation: This wine was bottled immediately after blending to retain fruit freshness. A small portion went through fermentation in seasoned French oak for added texture and complexity.

Colour: Pale straw with a green tint.

Nose: The nose shows fragrant gooseberry characters with underlying passionfruit and lychee aromas. Minerally, stalky notes are evident and provide additional complexity.

Palate: The 2011 Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc is a fine and elegant style with zesty lemon acidity and length. Varietal characters of passionfruit pulp and gooseberry dominate with hints of lemon peel in the background.