Both the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon fruit for this wine were harvested on a cool March evening to retain aromatics of the fruit. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon were processed individually with some skin contact in the grape press. Following settling the wines were racked and inoculated for ferment in stainless steel vessels. A combination of yeasts were used to enhance the varietal characters and to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines. Fermented at cooler temperatures for the preservation of fruit aromas and flavours. After a few weeks on yeast lees, the wines were racked and the individual components assessed and blended. The final blend was given a light fining before being filtered and prepared for bottling.
Evans & Tate is arguable the most famous name in Western Australia wine, and now the Tate name has been re-born in the Franklin Tate Estates wines made by esteemed winemaker, Rory Clifton-Parks. Franklin Tate himself has sought out the finest vineyard sites in the Margaret River region to deliver superb, terroir driven, wines that showcase the tradition and longevity of the Tate name, but also a modern and innovative wine-making approach. The Chardonnay was one third fermented in fine French Oak barriques delivery a soft and creamy mouthfeel, yet still with varietal lift and fine acid balance.