New Release

Reviewed: 12 June 2012

The highlight of the tasting was the Pewsey Vale “The Contours” riesling. A superb wine now and will remain so for many years. If you do not get riesling, this may be the wine to enlighten your palate.

Reviewed

Pewsey Vale – Riesling – The Contours – 2006 (18.5+). Still fresh and youthful fragrant fruit, with the merest hint of development showing through. The palate is outstanding, with amazing intensity and depth of fruit, whilst the acidity has just started to soften enough to make the fruit the main feature. Great length and balance to close. A special wine!

3 Drops – Riesling – 2010 (17.8). Fresh and lively, with minerals, citrus and depth to the fruit. In fact, there are no rough edges. A good wine!

Singlefile Estate – Riesling – Porongurup – 2011 (17.4+). Talc and minerals over pristine fruit. The palate shows lemony acid that has a steely edge. Long and persistent, this is a smart wine. Lean, dry and a touch astringent today, this should age very well.

Leeuwin Estate – Riesling – Art Series – 2011 (17.4) Perfumed lemon and lime, though with more richness and oiliness than the Singlefile. The minerals and acid present on the finish will ensure that, while this actually drinks very well now, it will live for some time. (I am always impressed at how well old Leeuwin Estate rieslings drink).

Bay of Fires – Pinot Gris – 2011 (17.3). This was accidently included in the riesling bracket, and it stood out for its different style. This was flowery and supple and the palate was a touch broader. The acid structure was also completely different on a rich and textured palate with a degree or viscosity. A touch of residual sugar combined with the softer acid makes this easier drinking than virtually any of the rieslings in this tasting.

Chalk Board – Riesling – Frankland River – 2011 (17). Another smart wine under this label. Almond meal and minerals on the nose, with racy acidity and lemony fruit on the palate. The acid dominates the fruit now, but this will soften as the wine evolves. Made by Frankland Estate.

Tavignano – Verdicchio – 2009 (17). Not dissimilar to viognier, with apricot and honeysuckle. Nutty fruit on the palate showing some development with enough acidity to keep the palate fresh. Interesting wine that is good drinking.

Drakesbrook – Sangiovese – Wild Bird – 2011 (17+). More density of fruit, though the oak plays a role here in suppressing the fruit at present. This is a very smart wine with excellent depth of flavour and structure. Whilst the oak dominates a touch now, this just needs a few years to open up and blossom.

Vina Albali – Tempranillo – Valdepanas – Crianza – 2007 (16.7). Sweeter fruit that is, perhaps, more typical of the grape, with sour cherries and a hint of tar. Medium-bodied, this is a savoury style that would be well supported by food.

Borgo Bello – Chianti – DOCG – 2010 (16.4). Pristine bright fruit with cherry, spice, and licorice. Fruit-driven and delicious, with no oak to speak of.