Pertaringa Scarecrow Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Region: Adelaide

Story: Each vintage, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are the first grapes to ripen in the vineyard. The scarecrow is still used as an effective deterrent to the local grape-loving birds and has also lent its name to our famous Sauvignon Blanc.

Vineyard: 85% is from the Battunga vineyard at Kuitpo in the Adelaide Hills which was planted by Bec's father, Geoff Hardy, in the 1990s. The other 15% is sourced from the Lower Tintara vineyard in McLaren Vale, these vines were planted by Bec's greatgreat-great-grandfather, Thomas Hardy, in the 1880s. Kuitpo is around 2.5degC cooler than McLaren Vale (average) and generally 2-3wks later ripening. 

Soils: The Battunga Sauvignon Blanc is in a valley on alluvial clay from the Holocene era (around 11,700 years old). 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: 9 February (Battunga) and 14 February (Lower Tintara). 

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 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 vineswhile the Adelaide Hills fruit offers varietal aromatics and acid. Cold stainless steel fermentation is followed by early blending and bottling to retain varietal freshness.

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

Tasting notes: 2023| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

93 points – Wine Orbit, 2024
“It's fabulously aromatic on the nose, showing Granny Smith apple, nectarine, lemon sorbet and herbaceous aromas, leading to a splendidly flavoursome palate displaying lovely fruit purity and persistency. Youthfully charming and instantly appealing.”

93 points – Wine Showcase Magazine, 2024

92 points - Wine Pilot, 2024
"A pale lemon hue, the nose gives us gorgeous tropical notes. There is passionfruit and pineapple, as well as white peaches, a hint of gooseberries and a flick of citrus. A classic Savvy for those who like it in this style. Clean, bright and fresh with zippy acidity, it is of medium length. A fine example which will provide enjoyable drinking over the next three years."