2008 Hamilton Russell - Ashbourne "Sandstone"

The 2008 Sandstone is a blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay and 3% Semillon made by the Hamilton Russell family. It sports a clear straw color in the glass. The nose is very attractive with scents of honeysuckle, wax resin, sea spray and a touch of damp straw that is well-defined. The palate is clean and focused on the entry with well-judged acidity. It feels full in the mouth but not viscous, with a patina of dried honey and dried quince. It fans out beautifully on the finish but maintains a tight control. You feel that this Sandstone is deserving of several years cellaring and yet its charms are difficult to resist now. This is so much better than the 2007 tasted previously. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 949-6262