More recently we tasted a variation on the original revue below. This flight features 3 wines. First there is the 06 Aurum then the 06 Polish Hill from Grosset and last a more mature bottle of the Pewsey Vale. Notes for the latter two wines follow directly below and the Aurum is further down the post.
Grosset Clare Valley Polish Hill Riesling 2006
Lots of lime that goes a long time! Sourced from the Polish Hill vineyard planted at 460 meters elevation. Owner and Winemaker Jeffrey Grosset. Grown and produced by Grosset in Auburn 12.5% $26.49 at Bottle Barn Grosset
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling 2002
Sourced from vines planted in contoured rows back in 1962. The Contours Riesling is always a late release after 5 years of bottle age. 7.5 g/L acidity. Winemaker Louisa Rose. Bottled in Eden Valley 12.5% $24.99 at K&L Pewsey Vale
A few days later we took one of these Rieslings, the Pikes and poured it side by side with the Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon. This provided an opportunity to taste high acid whites from down under in two different styles made from two different grapes.
Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007
P&B in Parnell in Auckland 13% $13.69 at Bottle Barn Kim Crawford
The first 3 in this flight of 4 Rieslings from the southern hemisphere, the Aurum, Pewsey Vale and Pikes demonstrated full on acidity, flavors of lime and full concentration. The McWilliam’s was the roundest and softest of the flight, with more pronounced petrol development than the rest.
Aurum Central Otago Riesling 2006
The 11 g/l RS is buried in the taste profile with 7 g/l acidity. Sourced from the family’s 45th Parallel and Te Wairere vineyards on the shores of Lake Dunstan in Lowburn. Stainless ferment. Produced in Cromwell 13.5% $12.49 at Bottle Barn Aurum
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2006
Riesling was part of the initial 16 acre planting back in 1847. Pewsey Vale’s vineyards were the first in South Australia’s Eden Valley and sits at just about 500 meters elevation. Winemaker Louisa Rose 13% $11.99 at Bottle Barn Pewsey Vale
Pikes Clare Valley Dry Riesling 2006
7.6 g/l acidity and 2.82 pH, P&B in Sevenhill 12% $16.99 at Bottle Barn Pikes
McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate South Eastern Australia Riesling 2005
A family owned operation since 1877. Family members like Scott McWilliam in the Hunter are still at the helm. This Riesling was V&B in New South Wales, at the Hanwood Estate in Hanwood in the Riverina 12.5% $6.39 at Bottle Barn McWilliam’s
