2017 Jauma '1000 Fires' Sémillon / Chenin Blend

Region: McLaren Vale < Australia

Grapes: Sémillon and Chenin Blanc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic, dry farming; the Sémillon is fermented whole cluster and the Chenin is fermented on its skins in neutral barrel; bottled unfined/unfiltered under crown cap with no added sulfur

Winemaker: James Erskine

We were lucky enough to score a few bottles of Jauma’s summery blend of Sémillon and Chenin Blanc, sourced from vineyards planted close to the sea in Basket Range.  Golden and fuzzy in the glass, a wave of salty sea water hits you first, giving way to slurpy nectarine, grapefruit and mango with that Chenin acid ping to finish. There's also an earthy note that reminds me of turmeric, making me feel healthy like I'm drinking some beautifying golden tonic.  And at only 10.5% alcohol with no additives, it can’t be that far off...