New Release Whites: April 2024
Barry Weinman: 7th April 2024
There were a couple of left-of-centre wines that stood out in this tasting.
One was an excellent value ($23 from Dans) Vouvray from Famile Bougrier, a delicious, textured summer drink.
Galafrey also contributed a surprise with their delicious, if not mainstream Muller Thurgau. Surely this is the only example made in Western Australia? Definitely worth a try.
Reviewed
Famille Bougrier – Confidences – Vouvray – Chenin Blanc – 2022. This is quite rich, viscous and textured, that has some resemblance to viognier/white Rhone. Gentle stone fruit, supple mouthfeel, excellent length and persistence. This is really very good drinking and outrageous value to boot. 12.5% alc – 92pts – $23.
Galafrey – Reserve – Riesling – 2023. Gentle savoury notes are a feature initially, however the highlight is the palate, which is pristine and pure, with wonderful mouthfeel and texture. The acid drive makes this feel very dry, but I suspect that there is a touch of residual sugar that does wonders in fleshing out the mid palate and making this a superb drink now. But the aforementioned acidity will also confer extended aging abilities. 12.0% alc – 94+pts – TBC.
Galafrey – Dry Grown Vineyard – Muller Thurgau – 2023. This starts off steely, restrained and taut, but with air, the citrus fruit builds with attractive orange blossom highlights. I do not have any experience with this variety, but my feeling is that this will do very well with 5 years in the bottle. A great wine to challenge your wine-loving friends. And an excellent drink to boot. 93pts.
Cherubino – Gingin – Willows Vineyard – Chardonnay – 2022. OMG. This is an absolute treat. Here, the superb fruit has been deftly handled in the winery to present a compelling, seamless (if somewhat youthful) wine with real impact. Stone fruit, peach, viscosity, texture and supple oak are all in harmony, thanks to the superb winemaking. Fine. Modern expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. 13% alc – 96pts.
