Felton reports that it’s easier to sell a dry than a sweet riesling in New Zealand, though this is little more than one-third the production volume of its sweeter “Bannockburn” label. The ripe generosity of 2013 is expressed in grapefruit and orange notes, contrasting pretty lemon blossom, tight acid profile and finely textured, mineral structure. […]
readEdition 147
This label represents more than two-thirds of Felton’s riesling production and 2013 is a particularly generous edition. Layers of white peach, mandarin peel and ginger presence are streamlined by pretty lemon blossom aromatics and hints of fennel and granny smith apple. Beautifully fine acidity and mineral structure are intricately balanced by well-gauged sweetness (56g/L). $30 […]
readQuartz Reef has established itself as an impressively crafted and surprisingly refined and classy sparkling style, quite unexpected given the impact for which this region’s wines are renowned. 42% chardonnay goes a long way toward balancing the presence of pinot noir, a low 8g/L of dosage is well balanced, and 24 months on lees has […]
readAn excellent and great value Chablis of deep-set chalk mineral expression. It’s taut and crunchy, accented with lemon zest, red apple and a note of lime. Lively acid line keeps the finish long and focused. $34 at World Wine.
readMichel Tardieu has an ambition to create single varietal whines in the southern Rhône Valley, and his syrah offers great value. A lovely lifted fragrance presents violets amidst exotic spice and deep plum and blackberry aromas. The palate carries impressive depth of black fruits and liquorice, framed in intricately fine tannins that linger with considerable […]
readSt Hallett winemaker Toby Barlow introduced me to Bisol over dinner the night before we judged the Sydney Wine Show this year. I was taken by the pristine purity of the top cuvée of this impressive estate. Very classy prosecco of elegant red apple fruit, citrus blossom and zest, it’s fine, clean, softly textural and […]
readNew Zealand’s most famous sauvignon remains on form and 2013 is one of the greats. A mild harvest allowed for ideal ripening, with generous fruit sweetness finding a natural balance with a very low level of residual sweetness (2g/L). The result is an even and calm style that accents nashi pear, lime zest and subtle […]
readThere is a wonderful interplay between sweetness, acidity and mineral texture in the great rieslings of the world, and Felton Road manages to achieve this with delightful finesse. 73g/L of residual sweetness meshes seamlessly with finely mineral texture and elegant lemon blossom notes. $44 at Winecave.
readImpressive Rioja Alavesa from 100% Tempranillo from vines of average age 40 years, holding impressive vibrancy after maturation in French oak barrels for 24 months and a further two years bottle age. It’s an enticing and complex Reserva that retains its red cherry and cranberry primaries, overlaying them with immense complexity of aromatic herbs, dried […]
readA classy riesling from classy fruit, with the lowest level of sweetness yet (24g/L) thanks to a perfectly clean harvest. There’s a captivating contradiction at play here, on the one hand exotic in its impact of persimmon, lychee, nashi pear and exotic spice, yet at the same time gentle, understated and alluring. The palate is […]
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