Newsletters

MARCH 2003

WHITES ALL RIGHT! - 27 March 2003

As the first Chardonnay of 2003 was being pressed in the winery, the Clearview team took the opportunity to assess some 2002 vintage whites and revisit some white wines from our glorious past.

2002 WHITES

Te Awanga Sauvignon Blanc

Bottled in December 2002. 100% Sauvignon, tank fermented with some malolactic fermentation to soften acids. The malolactic adds a creamy dimension in support of wonderful tropical fruit characters. This wine is fresh and ready for immediate drinking. Now released at $16.

Semillon

Traditionally blended in support of our Sauvignon Blancs, the astounding fruit quality in 2002 fully justified our first ever Semillon predominant wine. Supported by 20% Sauvignon Blanc for freshness this wine was only bottled in December 2002 and will benefit with additional bottle age. This, limited volume, wine will accordingly be released around Labour Weekend 2003, price to be confirmed.

Beach-head Chardonnay

Already released and improving by the day. One of our best ever Beachheads, already a silver medal winner after 2 months in bottle. There's plenty to go round - at the moment! Released at $22.

Reserve Chardonnay

First assessment, of the new vintage, bottled early March. While young and incomplete, already it shows the classic Clearview Reserve Chardonnay hallmarks. 2001 has now all gone. If you want a guaranteed amount of 2002 please don't wait for the gold medals or trophies to be awarded - grab it now and impress your friends! Released at $35

VINTAGE WHITES

Cellar Door Manager, Geoff Wilson, had the onerous (not!) task of raiding the library to find some wines from our glorious past, all of which were served blind. Going back 12 years we were all very pleasantly surprised to see how well the wines were holding up and, whilst we do not necessarily recommend holding onto them as long as we have, those of you who still have older Clearview wines, in reasonable cellaring conditions, should feel secure that these wines will still delight.

Reserve Te Awanga Sauvignon Blanc 2000

Filling out and developing an almost oily consistency. Fruit is still vibrant with good underlying acidity. Great drinking now but could be kept a little longer.

Te Awanga Sauvignon Blanc 1993

The surprise of the night. The colour suggested vinegar - not a bit of it! Vibrant tropical fruits, wonderful acidity still and an almost syrupy finish. Not bad for a 10 year old tank fermented Savvy! The one bottle that was finished on the night!

Beach-head Chardonnay 1998

Still going strong although the fruit is now playing a support role to the toasty oak. Best drinking now.

Reserve Chardonnay 1998

Delightful now - a little lighter in power compared to other "Reserve" vintages but has wonderful, subtle lemon meringue flavours. At optimum now.

Reserve Chardonnay 1999

More powerful and deeply coloured compared to the '98, this is still developing but coming to optimum shortly. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.

Reserve Chardonnay 1991

Clearview's first ever Chardonnay - everyone was staggered at how well it was surviving. Nose had hints of smelly fish but the palate was classic biscuit, mealy, caramelized Chardonnay and retaining an almost youthful acidity.

We hope to hold a similar tasting of Vintage reds and will detail the results in the next few weeks.