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Print this Wine |
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WATERVALE, CLARE VALLEY |
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Clare Valley Riesling is probably one of Australia’s most consistent region and varietal combinations. The reds seem a little more variable, although the overall wine quality from Mt Horrocks is remarkably consistent. Not only are the Rieslings consistent they are also regarded without question as the finest examples of the variety produced in Australia. This vintage can be seen as triumphant for the Riesling. The vibrant youth of the wine is the first thing that strikes you. The color is neither yellow or green but contains strong elements of these hues. The color is light in shade but has depth and there is color right to the rim of the glass. There is a multitude of citrus flavors on the nose. There are oranges, lemons and limes all in the mix. As well as these aromas being present there is a mineral component. The scents are intense and concentrated. The fruit flavors evident on the nose tend to dominate the mineral characters once the wine is in the mouth. This can be explained by the sheer quality of the vintage and the very low yields which are absolutely essential to produce wines approaching this quality. The finish is quite dry and the only sweetness comes from the ripeness of fruit and not from residual sugar. Quite often the Riesling may be left slightly sweet by many producers to give extra weight to the existing fruit. This is not a bad thing, however if you have the fruit there in the first place there simply is no need for this clever little trick. With the dry finish there is the typical steely acidity that Stephanie Toole invariably retains in her Rieslings. This is the classic "each way" style, meaning the wine can be enjoyed right now but if you so prefer it will age for a considerable length of time, say up to 10 years. The acid works in both these styles of wines. At the moment it provides a tangy lift to the finish, and in the cellar it will help to protect the fruit from the ravages of time and oxygen. Prepare a seafood salad with a wide variety of marine life. This will display the versatility of the variety to match up with shellfish through to squid to fish and beyond. |
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