The Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Margaret River 2011 (PLCB Code: 38935 $16.99) is comprised of 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Semillon, which is similar to the traditional Bordeaux Blanc blend. And the Siblings is a tasty example of how well these two varietals work together. Many American wine fans have little experience with the citrusy intensity of Semillon, so I am hopeful that as many as possible can taste this blend.
The nose is light and citrusy. Tasting the wine brings an immediate burst of lime, citrus and grapefruit, with some undercurrent tropical fruit flavors, followed by a surprisingly long and refreshing, mineral-tinged finish. None of the flavors seem out of balance, which to me makes the wine all the more interesting and inviting. I tasted the wine with a smoked salmon and crab dish – and the fresh acidity of the Siblings provided a fine counter to the richness of the salmon and crab. I would pair this fresh white wine with a variety of fish dishes, or light fare – but the intensity of flavor makes it interesting enough to sip by its self.
Leeuwin Estate is situated a few hours drive south of Perth, in the far southwest corner of West Australia, in a region known as Margaret River. Margaret River region is known for its 130+ wineries, some of them dating back to the 1970s and known mainly for turning traditional French grape varietals into high quality wines. Leeuwin Estate was one of the earliest wine estates to settle in the rolling Margaret River terrain during the 1970s, aided by an American wine consultant named Robert Mondavi – things have worked out very well since then, as evidenced by a trail of award winning wines including the Art Series Chardonnay. Not long ago, while visiting my Australian Cousin/Architect/Pittsburgh Steeler Fan in Perth, I was fortunate enough to visit Leeuwin Estate and taste their wines while taking in the views and warmth of their stunning location – I encourage anyone to visit Leeuwin if traveling in West Australia! (leeuwinestate.com.au)
