From Mount Benson on South Australia's coastal strip north of Robe, this Vandenberg Estate Series opens with familiar Sauvignon Blanc territory.
Passionfruit, lychee, green tendrils and freshly cut herbs emerge from the glass with good energy. Time on lees has added welcome texture, giving the palate a little more substance than expected and helping to soften some of those brisk edges. That said, the acidity pinches a little higher through the palate than I'd like, pulling the wine into a firmer, more angular shape. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc with cleansing appeal, but for mine, it really calls for food. Fresh seafood would be an easy place to start, but something fatty would be in its wheelhouse. Someone say fries? Given the choice, I'd lean towards its sibling, which offers greater approachability, shapelier fruit and a more rounded acid profile.
88/100
Region: Limestone Coast
