Terre à Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Terre à Terre Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Bordeaux, meet Australian Sauv Blanc.

Actually, that’s not quite right, as this doesn’t feel like Bordeaux Blanc at all. Too ‘fruity’ for that. More like a Fumé, if anything.

Sourced from the close-planted Terre à Terre vineyard in Wrattonbully, it was handpicked, the fruit then transported back to the Tiers winery (then shared with Petaluma, now exclusively Tapanappa/Terre à Terre) and fermented in a mix of large and small oak, before maturation in more larger oak for 9 months.

Much like the ’13 this is a pineappley beast, with tropical juiciness and pine lime Splice juiciness. Oak is surprisingly dominant too, making that nose look even sweeter. That follows on to a tangy, creamy palate that is certainly clean, but still a little sweet and sour.

This is, quite simply, much too young. It tastes like a barrel sample, all arms and legs with acid, fruit and oak phenolics in a bit of jumble. Still, length is very good and there is shape here. It just needs a good year or two to come together. Drink: 2017-2022. 17/20, 90/100+

Details: 11.95%, Screwcap, $35, Sample
Would I buy it? Not yet.
Buy online: Terre à Terre website