Pfeiffer Wines Vermentino 2016

I like the label on this first release Vermentino from Pfeiffer Wines. Eye-catching and informative. For punters not au fait with the variety, the label gives a good word picture of the bottle's contents. 

Grapes are harvested in the cool of the morning, the colours are an attractive light yellowy green in the glass.

The aromas of green apples, pears, nectarines and lemon myrtle are fresh and fragrant. Pretty to sniff on. 


Mid-weight, dry and slatey wine that has a tangy citrus acid line to the mouthfeel. Good mid-palate texture that is built around spicy and juicy grapefruit, ripe apple and nectarine flavours.

The soft creamy palate bursts with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and with those spicy undertones make it a compelling alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. 


Fine chalky tannins and textural white wine. Good length of flavour with a clean, fresh finish.

There is good weight to this very easy to drink first release Vermentino. An impressive debut here by winemaker Jen Pfeiffer and the other good people at Pfeiffer Wines. Drink now until 2022.
   
Source: Sample courtesy of Pfeiffer Wines. ABV: 13.0%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $ N/A. 
Rating: 91 Points. Website: http://www.pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au/home/

St Ignatius Estate Contemplation Reserve Malbec 2014


World Malbec Day is on 17 April each year so I thought I'd get in early with this ripping example from St Ignatius Estate, located at Lamplough in the Victorian Pyrenees Wine Region. 
St Ignatius is a totally in-house business that sets itself high standards of viticultural and winemaking techniques and practices in order to create fine quality wines. Hand-picking all grapes and the careful clonal selection of Malbec are such examples amongst others. Indeed, it is understood that Malbec constitutes the winery's largest varietal plantings. 

The 2014 Contemplation has deep purple colours to the rim.
Vibrant nose of violets, chocolate, dark plums and blackberries.

Rich and ample flavours of blackberry, blueberry, liquorice and leather showcase a medium bodied palate that displays a lovely concentration.  

Fresh and vital feel in contrast to the dense and brooding fruit flavours. Well-balanced acid and gentle tannins frame this approachable wine and give it a soft and plush velvet mouthfeel.

Long silky herbal tang to the finish. Just flows down the throat so easily. What I got out of this Malbec is how quality sweet fruit flavours can be so delicious and this wine delivers these in spades. Hard to resist this one. Highly Recommended.


Source: Sample courtesy of St Ignatius Estate. ABV: 15.0%. Closure: Cork. Price: $35.00. 
Rating: 93 Points. Website: http://www.stignatiusvineyard.com.au

Vinteloper Pinot Pinot Rosé 2016


The first Rosé from Vinteloper is a meeting of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir and Langhorne Creek Pinot Gris. No mention of the percentages but the Gris is fermented on skins for two weeks to get the pale colour while the Noir is whole bunch pressed. Extended lees contact makes for creaminess, texture and ease of drinking.

An artistically designed abstract label. Only 1988 bottles produced of this dry and aromatic pale pink rosé. 

Fresh, cherry, strawberry, pear, crunchy apple and a hint of citrus. 
The long, dry palate is initially subdued, takes awhile to get going then builds into a refreshing experience of strawberry, cherry, pear and minerals. It's more spicy than sweet with a glycerol feel shaped by fine chalkiness. Good balance and reach, dry and spicy aftertaste. A perky, thirst-quenching tipple.


Source: Retail. ABV: 12.7%. Closure: Screw Cap. Price: $26.00. 
Rating: 89 PointsWebsite: https://www.vinteloper.com.au