Bec Hardy 1885 Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Planted by Bec Hardy’s great-great-great-grandfather, Thomas Hardy, in the Lower Tintara vineyard in McLaren Vale, these vines must surely be some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc on the planet. Fermentation was in stainless steel. The colour is pale straw with flecks of green. The nose exhibits lifted aromatics with notes of gooseberries and nettles, citrus and gentle florals. There are recognisable varietal characters here and the palate is supple and seamless with a hint of fruit sweetness. Definitely a crowd-pleaser. McLaren Vale might not be an obvious choice when one thinks of Savvy, but this is a good example. Now for two years.