Field of Mars Block 3B Semillon 2017

The Field of Mars Vineyard was established in 1968 in central Pokolbin, Hunter Valley. The vines are at a density of 2222 vines per hectare, with vines pruned to bilateral canes. Rows run east-west on short sandy flats between winding creek beds. The Hunter Valley's unique climate is warm with high solar radiation, although tempered by maritime influences from the proximity to the coast. As a result, Semillon ripens quickly and has complex fruit expression between 10-11 Beaumé.

The soils of our Semillon blocks (Block 2 and Block 3) are deep alluvial sands, washed onto the flats between the creeks that wind throughout our property and our neighbours. The result is porous, well-drained soils that are very suitable to Semillon, which with generally low vigour enjoys the silty soils and is able to penetrate down the soil profile. The high mineral content and low organic material results in wines that are elegant and fresh, with the sandy soils often creating focus, line and length on the palate.

Hand-picked early in the morning of February 3rd 2017 while the fruit is cool, during what was a very hot vintage it was important to pick at the ideal temperature.

This hand-harvested fruit was destemmed, chilled and gently pressed to 550l/t. For our Semillon production, we use only the clearest juice with minimal solids taken during juice racking. The clear juice was inoculated with DV10 yeast and fermented at 12-15 degrees Celsius in a stainless steel tank. At the end of the primary ferment (1-2g/L residual sugar), the wine is chilled and sulfured before malolactic can start; the aim is to retain the natural acidity of the malic acid for the most pristine and vibrant wine. The Semillon was racked off fermentation lees just after the finish of ferment, as to preserve the clarity of fruit expression, and stabilised in tank prior to filtration and bottling in June 2017.

Held in stainless steel tank after vinification.