Meadowbank Riesling
Slight lift on the nose from barrel fermentation and long lees contact; a fitting compliment to the primary fruit by way of strawberry and fresh berry compote. There is a tenderness to this year's wine, the silky tannin-structure is first-rate with just enough back palate weight, by way of stalk use and light French oak, to hold its length. Meadowbank's Riesling vines, mostly Geisenheim 198 clone, were planted in 2005 and, since the arrival of Peter Dredge in 2016, have surely never been put to better use. From 2017 Dredge has rolled out organic practices across all the estate's vineyards allocated for the rebooted Meadowbank label. From the estate's sandy north-facing slopes overlying dark brown coffee rock, this spine-tingling Riesling was hand-picked, whole cluster pressed and naturally fermented in a mix of neutral oak (30%) and stainless tank. Both parcels were matured on their lees for five months before blending and bottling without fining. It's an incisively fresh Riesling offering Tassie Riesling's typical mix of fresh green apple and citrus and an acid spine seamlessly balanced by 8 g/L residual sugar. Meadowbank was first planted in 1974 prior to the purchase of the estate by Gerald and Sue Ellis in 1976. The initial plantings were small, but the business was enthusiastically grown by Gerald into the premium offering that is seen today. Partnering with friend and winemaker Peter Dredge, the next chapter is now being written. Meadowbank is the purest realisation of what our vineyard and Tasmania can offer. Located in the verdant Coal River Valley, north of Hobart in Tasmania, Meadowbank has two estate vineyards spanning over 50 hectares. The primary vineyard sites are at Cambridge and Glenora. Modern winemaking influence is obvious in these well packaged, cleanly made wines. Reflecting their cool climate origins, the winemaking team pick at physiological ripeness to elicit the most natural expression of their fruit.
Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling
Pewsey Vale Vineyard The Contours Riesling
Mid straw in colour with green hues. Intense classic lemon fruit aromas with a hint of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemongrass have started to emerge. Shows great length and depth with concentrated power, pristine fresh lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lime marmalade. The wine finishes with fresh, soft natural acidity. Pewsey Vale is synonymous with Riesling, and this historic hillside vineyard that rules the Eden Valley in South Australia is world-famous for the distinct style it produces. Originally established in 1847 by Joseph Gilbert, it was purchased by Samuel Smith (now Hill-Smith of Yalumba) in 1961. The vineyard sits 250 metres above the Barossa Valley floor. The resultant cooler temperatures encourage a longer ripening period that is essential for producing superior Riesling grapes. Made by renowned winemaker Louisa Rose, the Rieslings of Pewsey Vale have a distinct lime character together with florals and a touch of spice. When young they are vibrant and tight with upright acidity. As the wines age, they gain complexity with honeyed tones, but they are very long-lived, so patience is a must!
Forester Estate Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay
Rounded and smooth with a creamy texture and a fine line of acid. Ripe fruit with nutty - almond like oak. There is an underlying smokey-lanolin complexity with peach, nectarine,spice and lime.
West Cape Howe King Billy Chardonnay
Robert Stein Reserve Riesling
In the glass: Pale lemon green. On the nose: Lime, green apple and jasmine.On the palate: Bone dry and extremely mouth-watering with layers of lime, green apple and jasmine and faint chalky notes on the finish.
Wittmann Estate Riesling
The Wittmanns and their ancestors have been wine-growers in southern Rheinhessen since 1663. Since 1990, the family has cultivated the vineyards according to controlled ecological guidelines, and since 2004, bio-dynamically. This Riesling has a fine aroma of yellow fruits and apple, clear, elegant structure and juicy freshness. Dry with a juicy acidity which harmonises with the typical earthy mineral tones; great finish.
Domaine Naturaliste Artus Chardonnay
After twenty years of applying his passion and expertise to the countless vintages for local producers, renowned winemaker Bruce Dukes has launched Domaine Naturaliste his own range of wines, named for the southwest region where he has honed his craft.
Howard Park Chardonnay
Barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak barriques with partial malolactic has imparted texture and complexity to the minerally grapefruit flavours of this Chardonnay from WA's south-west corner.
Deep Woods Reserve Chardonnay
Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay gives aromas of fresh stone fruit and citrus blossom combining with warm straw, cedar spice and chipped oyster shell. The Palate displays pure and elegant stone fruit, lime zest and jasmine. A fine acid backbone combines with lees-derived texture to produce a wine of depth, and complexity with an underlying minerality.