Singlefile New Release – January 2018
Barry Weinman: 19th January 2018
With the Christmas break behind us, the panel has got back to work , tasting over 50 wines this week to find you the best wines for January.
The highlight of the tasting was provided by the wines from Singlefile.
The Sauvignon Blanc is a fine example of a style made famous in Bordeaux. Wild yeast fermentation, partial oak aging (25% new French oak, 25% 1 year-old oak) and 5 months on lees. A wonderful wine with great depth.
If anything, the Singlefile Family Reserve Chardonnay is even better. From the Singlefile Vineyard planted in 1989, the fruit quality is superb. After whole bunch pressing, fruit was transferred to fine French oak (40% new) for fermentation and 9 months aging on lees, with weekly batonage. A small portion of the fruit (8%) underwent malolactic fermentation to aid mouth-feel.
Reviewed
Singlefile – Sauvignon Blanc – Fume Blanc – 2016 (18/20pts – $30). From the Stoney Crossing vineyard in Pemberton. Refined elegant and pretty, the fruit showing floral and perfumed notes and a touch of lemon zest. The gentle oak and lees work adds depth and texture to the palate without dominating the fruit. Silky, very long and food friendly, this is a lovely wine, and excellent value compared to a decent Chardonnay.
Singlefile – Chardonnay – Family Reserve – 2016 (18.5+/20pts – $50). Supple, refined and elegant, with a core of ripe peach fruit complemented by gentle nuttiness. The palate is creamy and fine, with pineapple, citrus and melon fruit notes. This is a wine of great finesse, with subtle oak and lees work adding depth. Wonderful!