Lenton Brae SSB, Grosset SSB, Pierro LTC – all 2008

Consumed over a 24 hour period, these three SSB’s represent three quite different wines, yet theoretical competitors (the Lenton Brae at a significantly lower price point).

Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008
I’m not sure what is happening with Lenton Brae’s distribution, for you see comparatively little in the Eastern states. Quite disappointing given the quality of the wines.

Lifted green bean, herbs & peas on the nose in the very herbaceous, green with a touch of citrus style that I quite like. The palate follows the nose closely – green, herbal & dry with the strong green Sauvignon again dominating proceedings, Semillon only adding lemon/lime palate weight.
Its very fresh, crisp and well defined, but some may find it too green. A good drink. 17

Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008
I first tasted this in September and thought it needed time. That time is now. The story here is harmony and balance. Excellent stuff.

Green green in colour, the nose is lemon, herbaceous Savvy & just a splash of dill. Archetype Sem/Sauv then without the greenness of the Lenton Brae. On the palate it is a cohesion of flavours – Lime juice, grapefruit & lingering, work all day acidity. It just…works. Particularly good on a hot Perth night with some local Snapper. Excellent. 18.8

Pierro LTC Semillon Sauvignon Chardonnay 2008
Again, this is a retaste as the last bottle was a tasting as opposed to a ‘drinking’. Too much ‘tasting’ and not enough ‘drinking’ is no fun at all.

Surprisingly I was less enamoured with this as last time. To me it seemed, neutral & quite dull, which is a fair change from my last tasting note (below). I’d be interested to hear other recent experiences.. Is it a dumb phase or was this a bad bottle? It definitely needs more time regardless…

‘This has a tropical nose, but restrained and very fresh, the lemon fruit clearly interwoven with some grassy aromatics. Its a tight estery palate, but there is very very clever winemaking at hand, resulting in a very balanced and interesting Margaret River Dry White. 18.3+’