Goulburn Valley 13.7% Screwcap CD $26- Tasted 8/9/09
This is an outstanding wine. I took it over to my neighbours just to make sure I wasn’t just dreaming it was that good. It’s the sort of Rhone white that’s going to change a whole lot of people’s perceptions. It’s complex, structured, linear and subtly intense. I’m very keen to pick some of this up and drink a bottle a year to see what it does over time. But it’s delicious now, so there’s no need for others to wait.
40% Roussanne and the rest is equal parts Marsanne and Viognier. The Marsanne and the Roussanne see some new French oak, whilst the Viognier matures in 4 year old French Oak. It has that “steely” structure that I associate with Roussanne along with extra palate weight from the Marsanne and Viognier.
The nose is of lemon, apple, herbs, less than ripe stone fruit, cheese, apricot kernels and citrus honey. In the mouth it’s lithe and intense with the stone fruit, white peach, apricot and nectarine being framed by an excellent backbone of acid. That acid allows the honeyed notes to play out in a more complex manner. Herbs, ginger, bread and cheese are all evident. And the lees notes balance the minerality. Its mouth feel is gorgeous and its length is impeccable.
Basically it’s a wine that manages to walk that fine line between being wonderfully challenging and enjoyably delicious. My neighbour remarked that she thought it would go excellently with seafood and I agreed. The next bottle will be shared with her over some Moreton Bay Bugs and Mud Crab. Unfortunately her partner will not be able to enjoy that feast of wine and food as he is a vegetarian. But I reckon I’ll pour him a glass anyway!
Winery Website- http://www.mitchelton.com.au/Mitchelton.aspx