This noble variety has an unusual home in the north-east Victorian region of Rutherglen, better known for its reds and fortified wines.
Lake Moodemere is an historic, boutique winery owned and operated by Michael and Belinda Chambers who produce fruit from vineyards dating back to the mid-1880's.
This estate-grown Riesling is bright straw yellow in colour with a greenish tinge. Aromatically, there are fresh citrus, sweet florals and talc notes.
Palate-wise, it's dry with flinty minerals, musk and a delicate sherbert presence. Some tropical fruit notes in the middle. A backbone of lime acidity holds proceedings together through to the lingering citrus finish.
Crisp, appealing and structurally elegant from what was an ideal growing season.
Source: Winery Purchase. ABV: 10.3%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 90+ Points. Website: http://moodemerewines.com.au/
Since 2011 Gemtree Vineyards at McLaren Vale have had organic certification and have practised biodynamic farming for some years prior to that time. The Buttery family business works on minimal intervention during the winemaking process and the second release of their Moonstone (aka the lover's stone) Savagnin, reflects the clean freshness of this increasingly popular variety.
Attractive pale straw colour. Fresh lifted aromas of honeysuckle, blossom, Nashi pear and Granny Smith apple. The palate exhibits crisp dry lime and pear with some suggestion of rosewater and minerality. It's viscous, zesty, light in structure and mirrors the bouquet's fruit characteristics.
Fine crunchy tannins with a nice acid spike mid-palate. Even flavours throughout with a lingering fresh citrusy finish. If you like the texture of a Pinot Gris and the racy acidity of a Riesling, this is the variety to check out. An appealing, delicious and versatile wine for the holiday fare.
Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 13.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $18.00. Rating: 90+ Points.
