2018 Ashbourne Sandstone White
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Ashbourne Sandstone is a blend of 66% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Chardonnay and 17% Sémillon fermented in a mixture of amphorae, clay eggs and used barrels. It has a very appealing, quite understated nose at first, unfurling with walnut and light sea spray aromas. The palate is well balanced, with a tangy opening and good acidity, and quite saline in the mouth. Hints of toffee apple surface toward the quite persistent finish. This needs a little more bite and sharpness, but it should still drink well for several years.
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Neal Martin
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
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The 2018 Sandstone is 66% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Chardonnay and 17% Semillon. On the nose, the Sauvignon Blanc tones are most evident, with grapefruit, soft green tones and citrus blossoms. The vines are grown on sandstone, as the name suggests. Chardonnay and Semillon show their attributes more on the palate by adding both texture and structure, which balances the Sauvignon Blanc's citrus tones, ultimately leading to a crisp, broad and mineral finish. The wine is medium-bodied, and there is a soft saline quality to the back end of the finish. I recommend it with some seafood or shellfish. 1,512 bottles made.