Grampians, Victoria 12% Screwcap $22- Tasted 22/9/09
This came into my hands via the generosity of Peter Scudamore-Smith MW, winemaker at Jimbour Station and Wine Consultant at “Uncorked and Cultivated”-
http://www.uncorkedandcultivated.com.au/?MMID=1911
It brought back memories of tasting a Best’s Riesling for the first time at their wonderful cellar door. I heartily recommend you visit it if you’re in the Grampians. Good people, with a welcoming and down to earth manner. And to walk through the cellars that were hand-dug in the 1860s is to walk through Australian History, vinous and otherwise.
This wine is from a superior vintage to the one I tasted back then, but both taste like Grampians Riesling and I am a big fan of the style the region produces. It’s a pale straw colour (with a hint of gold of course) and the flavours veritably jump out of the glass. Florals, limes, lemons, chalk dust and slate all present themselves in an open and expressive manner.
The citrus bursts onto the palate, reminding me very much of wild finger limes. That bright and shiny entry is followed by a slight broadening on the palate as some pears and their accompanying sweetness join the rush, before it tightens up and finishes long and crunchy with notes of tart apple. There is a chalky/slate like feel in the mouth before the refreshing acidity braces and puckers the mouth at the end. Texturally there seems to even be a bit of pith, but it does not dam the flavours in any way.
On the whole it’s a racy Riesling which is a treat to drink now, especially if the weather calls for refreshment. I’d hazard a guess that the structure will keep it in tact for quite a while. When you drink it will depend on whether you want that bitey citrus burst fully in tact or would prefer to see the acid soften a little and the palate evolve and gain more weight.
I’ve only tasted Grampians Riesling young, and this is damn tasty, so when I purchase some I’m not sure if it will make it to the cellar. But I sure would like to see what the future holds for it. Excellent.
Winery Website- http://www.bestswines.com.au/
Touche on the Best's cellar door experience – it's brilliant!
Did you get Robert at the cellar door? (older but friendly fellow, if you can remember
Love that vineyard with the 'as yet un-named varieties' too.
It could well be Robert that we got first at the cellar door. I was doing 4 regions in 4 days, so it's difficult to remember
Whoever we did get first recognised the fact that we were a bit more passionate about wine than many folk and pulled out the Old Vine gear from under the counter to give us a pour.
He had to head of to do some work and another friendly guy took us into the cellars and showed us around. I remember that underneath some ancient looking bottles someone from the winery had scrawled in chalk "Don't feed the spiders!" which amused me. You could do worse than get a job there as a cellar rat I reckon.
The "un-named varieties" vineyard is very cool, absolutely agree. Just an amazing place all round. I may get to visit again next February, fingers crossed. I'll make sure I ask for Robert
cheers Chris
Hey Jeremy,
Was at Bests today and agree its a definity must see in the area. A strong line up of wines and a great attitude at the cellar door. Can't beat that.
I was particularly taken with the 09 Riesling, 06 Bin 0 Shiraz and the Cab Sav.
Dave
The 06 Bin 0 Shiraz is a ripper. Coincidentally I had the chance to try the 2007 Bin 0 last Monday. Perhaps not as good as the 06 but amongst a raft of 24 odd shirazes, most of which had won awards, it ended up being my Wine of the Night. Not sure if it's been released yet or not.
Definitely one of my favourite cellar doors. Really glad you enjoyed it!
cheers
jeremy