29th August 2009

After the excitement of last weeks Chapoutier tasting, we were brought back to earth with a thud this week with an uninspiring tasting of sauvignon blanc, semillon and blends. None of the wines are bad, it is just that they lack excitement. Fortunately, there were a couple of exceptions. The La Strada sauvignon blanc is a great example of the style that New Zealand is famous for. It is a complex and serious wine.

The Paul Nelson is an interesting wine too. Paul is the wine maker at Galafrey’s winery down in Mt Barker. I am not sure if this is a side project, but it is definitely worth trying. It would appear that production is very small, so try the winery direct.

Tasted

La Strada – Sauvignon Blanc – 2008 (17.8). Lifted tropical nose of lantana and lanolin. The palate is all lemony, ripe and focused. The palate is very long and the finish is precise. Texture and mouth feel make this wine stand out. Very smart.

Paul Nelson – Fume Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc – 2009 (17). Textbook nose with fresh and floral accents. There are some herbaceous undertones. The palate has musk, citrus and candied notes and is very long. The touch of residual sugar is nicely balanced.

Kim Crawford – Sauvignon Blanc – 2008 (16.7). All grassy and cut hay on the nose with green pea too. The palate leads with lantana, passion fruit and zest. Lacks the depth of the La Strada.

Allan Scott – The Moorelands – Sauvignon Blanc – 2006 (16.6). Full of green pea and gooseberry, with grassy notes on the nose. The palate follows with grassy and herbaceous characters. Interestingly, there is a touch of CO2.

Peos – Sauvignon Blanc – 2008 (16.5). Quite closed and restrained, but hints at quality. The palate is also restrained and the wine is taught, racy and on edge. Fruit may blossom in a few months.