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Kevin's comments: Broken Shackle white changes its blend each vintage this year it is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Semillon, this wine shows, fresh, vibrant grapefruit and tropical fruit characters complemented by a crisp, dry palate.
BERTON VINEYARDS
BROKEN SHACKLE WHITE
Established by Bob & Cherie Berton in May 1996 with 75 acres. The heart of Berton Vineyards is their own personal plot in a sub-region of Eden Valley in South Australia. This idyllic property sits at 450m above sea level on gently rolling hills except for the Chardonnay block which is anything but gentle!!
The first vines were planted in that spring ten acres of Shiraz and seven acres of Chardonnay but without any permanent water. It was not until 1998, after the new dam was filled, that the vines finally had a decent drink!!!
With all this, the vines struggled through their impressionable years. Lots of love and attention, but the lack of water really retarded their growth, so much so that a Swedish friend jokingly told them that they had planted a bonsai vineyard. The name stuck and later became the name of their premium Shiraz. With the good rainfall in High Eden, the vines are in great condition these days, but they still remember the early days every time they open a bottle of the Bonsai.
After the dam was full they were able to follow on and plant Cabernet Sauvignon and lastly some Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are now growing happily amongst big white rocks on ancient podsolic soils which really makes driving trellis posts interesting, but that's another story!!!!
BROKEN SHACKLE WHITE
Grapes: Semillon (49.1%), Chardonnay (40.2%), Chenin Blanc (9.9%) and Verdelho (1%).
Region: South East Australia.
Taste: A fresh intense wine that is appealingly light and crisp. The wine has a bright aspect with brilliant lemon and lime glints. The aromas follow suit with lifted glace lemon, melon and pear drop. The palate is wonderfully vibrant and generous showing tangy passionfruit, juicy citrus fruit and supple honeydew melon that lead to a clean fresh finish. Alc 13.3%, RS 6.0 g/l
Food Match: This wine is ideally suited to lightly pan fried sand whiting in lemon butter and parsley.
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