Bobar 'Fanny Finch' Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc 2021

An unsulphured, unfiltered blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc from two very special old Yarra Valley vineyards.

The Semillon was planted in 1982 on the foothills of Great Dividing Range near the northern boundary of the Yarra Valley. Grey loam soils, old vines and gentle natural farming amongst the forest that surrounds this rare vineyard all contribute to its intensity, richness and focus.

Planted three years later closer to Yarra Glen at the base of the Christmas Hills escarpment, these Sauvignon Blanc vines are a Yarra Valley treasure. An old and unknown clone of Sauvignon Blanc with tiny yields of intense fruit that ripen remarkably early (this parcel would consistently be one of the first table wine harvests in the valley), it maintains crystalline acidity and focus across the full spectrum of Sauvignon characters.

The two parcels received similar harvest and winemaking treatment. Hand harvested and sorted directly to small fermenters in the vineyard with minimal crushing of the bunches. 10-14 days maceration followed by pressing to old oak barriques and hogsheads for fermentation and maturation. It was bottled without fining, addition of sulphur or filtration in early summer 2021.

Fanny Finch was the first known woman in Australia to vote, in 1856 in a municipal election in Castlemaine, Victoria, 52 years before suffrage in Australia. She was a single mother of colour and businesswoman succeeding in remote, colonial Australia with strength, courage and generosity. This wine is named to honour her remarkable life and legacy.

Lemon, custard, stonefruit and flowers, rosemary, flecks of honey and candied fruit. The palate is fresh and intense, layered pulpy fruit underpinned by peach-skin phenolics and a spine of crystalline acidity. A long, cleansing finish.