Ashbourne 'Sandstone' 2006 white blend out of Hermanus
Tasting
Notes
3/30/10
Ashbourne is one of three labels owned by Anthony Hamilton Russell, the other two being the Southern Right label and the Hamilton Russell label, respectively. Named after his great, great grandfather, Ashbourne has only two wines made under its label, a red (predominantly Pinotage) and the Sandstone white blend. The concept behind the label was to show the uniqueness of the soil types (terroir) on the properties that the Hamilton Russell family owns in the Hemel en- Aarde Valley and differentiating them with different wines produced with in that particular label.
The Ashbourne Sandstone is a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay and Semillon filling out the remaining percentage of the blend. Just now released into our market it was felt by proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell that the wine needed the extra time in bottle to come together. The patience has resulted in a wine that has both an intriguing, complex nose and a palate that shows textural richness balanced with vibrant acidity. Think of lime, tangerine and some herbal notes aromatically and a plump mouthfeel that is rich but balanced with lemon-lime crispness. Showing well now this should be enjoyed over the next couple of years.
