New Releases Whites: September 2021
Barry Weinman: 5th September 2021
The latest Castle Rock Rieslings are a fascinating trio of wines. The fruit for the Porongurup and Skywalk is exactly the same, with the free run juice going into the Porongurup and the light pressings going into the Skywalk.
The extra skin contact for the Skywalk results in a wine with more phenolic richness and texture making it more approachable and satisfying in the short term. Whereas the pure fruit in the Porongorup needs years to really shine.
Sitting comfortably in the middle is the RS21. With 21 grams/litre of residual sugar, this is an off-dry style similar to a German Kabinett. Refreshing and delicious, this could be the perfect wine for a warm spring afternoon.
Reviewed.
Castle Rock – Skywalk– Riesling – 2021. Very pale. The fragrant fruit is initially a touch muted on the nose. The palate is taut and fresh, with lemony fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. There is more obvious mid-palate weight and gentle phenolic texture resulting in a wine that is great drinking now or over the next 5 years. Excellent intensity and length on the close. 93pts – $21.
Castle Rock – RS21 – Riesling – 2021. The sweetness is more obvious here, in keeping with a German Kabinett. Vibrant and racy, with an intense core of fruit. Delicious and moreish. Not a style for everyone but worth trying. 92pts – $21.
Duke’s – Single Vineyard – Riesling – 2021. This is pretty, delicate, fine, restrained and balanced, with excellent length of flavours. A little shy at this early stage but time in the bottle will see it blossom. 92pts.
Dancing Queen – By Merrill – Riesling – 2021 . With very pretty floral and lime fruit this is a little more aromatic than many Rieslings. Lively and fresh, with excellent acidity and good length of flavours. This would be a good alternative to a SB on a warm spring afternoon while chatting with friends. 91pts – $25
C’est Pas La Mer À Boire – Picpoul de Poul De Pinet – 2020. Lively and fresh, with excellent texture and gentle viscosity. Gentle honey and saline notes add interest. Phenolics and perhaps a touch of residual adding mouthfeel. 89pts – $22.
Sandalford – 1840 – Rose – 2021. Despite the very pale colour, this has impressive intensity. Fresh, floral, and pretty, with gentle berry notes. The palate is surprisingly dry and savoury, with fairly neutral fruit and excellent texture. A good effort and sure to be a hit with a platter of antipasto. 89pts – $25.