Sauvignon Blanc - Passel Estate - Margaret River - Australia

Vintage Notes

A cold winter allowed our vines to enjoy full dormancy, then a wet spring nourished the soil water reserves for the growing season. Sustained warm conditions moderated with night-time cooling from the ocean breezes, from ripening through to harvest, enabled the generous aromas and outstanding flavour development which define Margaret River. The lack of summer rains yielded beautifully balanced vines, with clean, healthy fruit. It also impacted the summer forage, meaning we had to net the vines despite low bird pressure to keep the hungry kangaroos away. The resulting wines show the vitality and energy of this amazing growing season.

Winemaking Notes

Sauvignon Blanc fruit was harvested in the early hours of the morning and immediately cold crushed to press, where the juice was separated from the skin. The juice was cold settled for 2-3 days before being racked and fermented in stainless steel and new French oak barrels (20%). The oaked portion was combined with the portion in stainless steel after fermentation, where the wine was matured on the fine lees with bâttonage occurring fortnightly for 5 months. The wine received a light fining prior to filtration and was then bottled with all-natural acidity.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Light green in colour with mother of pearl streaks
Bouquet: Lychee, preserved lemons, gooseberries, hints of currants and curry leaf.
Palate: Lively acidity and white fruit textures drive the palate, given gentle substance by bolder fruits and subtle tones of creamy French oak and brioche. A mineral finish coated in lime zest and dried thyme.

Food Pairing Suggestions

If you are seeking an Australian Sauvignon Blanc with broad appeal, this 2023 vintage pairs beautifully across multiple cuisines.

-Fresh seafood such as oysters, scallops, or kingfish.
-Goat’s cheese, asparagus, or garden-fresh salads.
-Thai green curry, lemongrass chicken, or lightly spiced Asian dishes.

Cellaring & Serving Suggestions

The 2023 Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed today for its crisp fruit and citrus vibrancy, or cellared for 3–5 years to develop added texture and complexity.

Best served lightly chilled at 8–10°C to highlight freshness without muting aromatics
Cellaring potential: Expect evolving layers of nutmeg, creaminess, and savoury depth with medium-term aging.