Bec Hardy 1885 Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Region: McLaren Vale
Story: Planted in 1885 by Bec’s great-great-great-grandfather, Thomas Hardy, these vines narrowly escaped removal during the vine pull scheme of the late 1970s. A fourth-generation family member, Helen Hardy, fought to preserve them, and her determination ensured their survival. Today, they stand among the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the world.
Vineyard: These grapes are sourced from the Lower Tintara vineyard located on Kay’s Road in McLaren Vale.
Soils: The Lower Tintara vineyard is on sandy loam soils called Maslin Sands, which are some of the oldest soils in McLaren Vale, aged between 34 and 56 million years old.
Harvest Date: 23 January 2025
Winemaking: The grapes were harvested and delivered to the winery at night to ensure the fruit arrives cool and fresh. Immediate pressing after crushing with minimal skin contact. We aim for a light touch in the winery including cold stainless steel fermentation in order to let the fruit tell the story. The generous palate weight and flavour intensity is a reflection of the 100+ year old McLaren Vale vines.
Nose: Lifted varietal aromatics of grapefruit and cut grass on the nose.
Palate: This wine is a fresh and elegant combination of zesty citrus fruits and long mineral acidity.
Cellaring: Drink now to 2029
| Alc: 12.0% | TA: 6.69g/L |
| pH: 3.05 | RS: 0.4g/L |
95 Points - Wine Pilot (Tony Love)
'The wine is not your everyday, Kiwi-style, punch in the nasals style Savvy, rather it comes with a more complex matrix of aromas, yes tropical notes like lemongrass, yet with an underlying layer of cut hay and field grasses, white rose petal too, all cast in a genteel manner. Not loud. Quietly and calmly does it. As it is in the palate, cast with lemon flesh and chamomile tea flowers, a tingly tang providing a refreshing lift. It’s delicious. Pure. Unadulterated. One of the more fascinating Sauvignon Blanc wines to enter our hemisphere in recent times, and a grand addition to the esteemed lexicon of South Australia’s old-vine heroes. '
92 Points - Vino Masters (Russel Gallagher)