in the vineyard : The grapes used for the 2008 Jordan Sauvignon Blanc were
harvested from selected east- and south – facing hillside slopes at Jordan, ranging in age from 8 to 26 years. Situated on granite and loamy soils (predominant soil forms Glenrosa and Hutton) with the elevation ranging between 220m and 380m above sea level. Clones SB 11, 159, 215 and 317 were harvested at different ripeness levels to add fruit complexity to the wine, and vertical hedge trellising and innovative canopy management techniques were used to enhance the intense flavours. By retaining the outer leaf layer and removing leaves in the centre of the canopy to form a tunnel-like effect promoting good air-flow, grapes were unaffected by botrytis and higher pyrazine levels associated with much cooler vintages could be obtained.