2007 Castagna Adam’s Rib The White

A blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, this wine works a treat. It smells of white flowers, hazlenuts, vanilla beans, peach, honeycomb, cream, apricot and ginger. This heady and complex mix plays out on the palate in a typically Castagnan way , as interesting and intelligent, with the aromas also present as flavours & a lovely almond meal texture accompanying the creamy chardonnay mid palate. Glycerol from the Viognier seems to bind with the soft texture of the chardonnay, creating a plush and enticing mouthfeel. Ceratinly not oily either.

The finish is the bomb, Viognier’s ginger and spice giving it a tight twist as it lingers on your tongue. The synergy between the grapes is superbly expressed and the acidity well-judged. It’s more structured than the Battle of Bosworth version of the blend that I have written up recently and a different beast entirely. Honeyed yes, but not as opulent or decadent. This version is controlled, restrained indulgence. But I wasn’t overly restrained in my drinking of it. Four bottles went down this year and another was gifted to a friend. It’s that damn tasty.

The Adam’s Rib range is made by Julian Castagna’s son, Adam Castagna. He makes a red and a white blend each year if he finds suitable fruit. As with his father, the wines are only made and released if he is happy with them. Adam says he’s aiming for flavour, texture and a food friendly wine. He’s hit the mark here. Shame I have none left.

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