Awards

BRONZE National Wine Awards

Story:

Sauvignon Blanc has been growing at Rosehall Run since 2001. The original planting consisted of experimental plantings of several varietals in our North Block which was affectionately dubbed, the ‘Toy Box.’ When Dan decided to take the plunge and start growing Sauvignon Blanc in earnest in 2013, it was with the knowledge of a dozen years of history as a guide. Today we have a total of a bit over an acre planted in our West Block and North Block.

 Vineyard:

What sets our County Sauvignon Blanc apart from the style of Sauvignon Blanc typically found commercially is the place and the approach. Sauvignon Blanc is a vigorous vine - we have tempered that somewhat with low vigour rootstocks and particularly rocky low vigour soils. Yields rarely top out at more than 3T/Acre, (45 hL/hA), which is about half the production of a typical New Zealand planting. Even a large crop at Rosehall Run is conservative by the standards of Sancerre, which permits up to 60 hL/hA. If you are to characterize our Sauvignon Blanc in a word, it is ‘intense.’

 Growing Season:

The vineyard experienced a long, warm growing season in 2022 which allowed for perfect maturity and rich varietal expression.  The unseasonably cold winter that was detrimental to the Niagara crops in the ’22 vintage affected PEC less because we cover/bury our vines yearly.  Nevertheless, Rosehall Vineyard’s ’22 crop would be considered a short crop by average standards.  PEC was also less affected by the late fall rains that plagued the Niagara region which led to more concentrated fruit and easier picking decisions.

 Harvest:

Late September saw damp weather that soon gave way to a warm fall perfect for harvest.  Yields were lower this season, especially compared to the bumper crop of 2020, but the quality of fruit proved to be outstanding.  We enjoyed a smooth and relaxed harvest which allowed Dan and Lee to make some precision choices resulting in impeccable results.

 Winemaking:

We chose to barrel ferment our Sauvignon Blanc in 500 L French Acacia barrels to lend a very light smoky, floral tone to the grassy/tropical notes associated with Sauvignon Blanc. It spent six months in our cellar fermenting and resting prior to bottling the following spring.

  Critical Acclaim:

“Cool aromatics of gooseberry, lemon, and fresh herbs give way to riper tropical fruit nuances with aeration. The palate is zesty and clean, with a smooth texture, and dry citrussy finish.” Score 89 Jacky Blisson, MW - WineAlign.com

Harvest Date: September 20 & October 6, 2022

Bottling Date: March 2, 2022

Cases Produced: 225

Residual Sugar: 2g/L

Total Acidity: 6.5

Ph: 3.2

Drink now through 2025 for a crisp, fresh style, but has potential to age longer.