R.A. Harrison, 2007 "Nobility", Late Harvest Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (375ml)

This is the second release from Roger Harrison, a Winemaker who's spent more than 25 years producing sweet wines. This depth of experience has earned him the nickname "Mr. Botrytis" (after the botrytis cinera spores - the desirable mold found on the best dessert wines of Germany and Sauternes).

In 1983 he began producing the 'Nightingale' wines for Beringer, made from highly concentrated grapes blessed with botrytis cinera (noble rot), using the same grapes and process for making the famous sweet wines of Sauternes, France. This wine is made in the style and manner of that region's most famous wine, the Chateau d'Yquem.

For example, Nobility is produced from botrytised grapes that are hand-selected - single berry by single berry - in the vineyard, and then again at the sorting table. It was fermented slowly (four weeks) in the same French oak barrels in which it aged for 19 months before bottling.

If you were to ask Roger "How would you describe your 2007?" he would reply "It is delicately layered with aromas and flavors of melon, vanilla, honey, toasty oak, sweet fig, tobacco, Asian spices, and a balancing acidity that carries through to a rich honeyed finish. I am very proud of this wine.”

The Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc- The Gamble Ranch, Napa Valley (Napa County)
Semillon – Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Harvest Info
- Sauvignon Blanc: November 29th, 2007
- Semillon: November 16th, 2007
- Average Brix at Harvest: 35.5°
- Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
- Residual Sugar: 12.2g/100ml
- Production: 333 cases of 375ml bottles

For a great compliment to this wine, see Roger Harrison's recipe for Passion Fruit Poached Pairs HERE

Cheers!
Dave the Wine Merchant