The 2003 was always going to be hard act to follow, but this is lovely wine in its own right. Youthful green tinges are still apparent amongst the yellow straw and the softer and more gentle texture is still highlighted by some zippy balanced acidity.
Limes, lemons, apples, toast, bath salts and baking spice flow beautifully and linger on the tongue. The mid palate approaches a subtle fruit sweetness verging on pear before backing down and settling into a finish of citrus, minerals and spice. Floral aromatics and preserved zest complete the package. Gorgeous stuff to drink right now. I’m very uncertain how long this will live, but I think it might surprise me. Mind you, longevity isn’t everything and any bottles I have lying around my flat aren’t likely to last anyway.
Winery Website- http://www.pewseyvale.com/
Yes, very good, but not as good as the splendid '03 as you say. I want more SA Riesling to taste like the '03 Contours. It was one of my 'wines of the year', not that I'm handing out any awards … There is a precision and a Teutonic edge that differentiates it from the normal Eden Valley fare. Here's my impression – does it sound anything like your experience with this wine? (sorry about the fence-sitting score; I often do this, it means something to me, but is probably plain 96 for others):
Only a light straw in colour, this wine doesn’t look particularly evolved, thanks to the magic of screw-cap. The nose is a real treat. It’s elegant and refreshing, with a Germanic touch of almost sugary nectarine and peach to complement more familiar Eden Valley characteristics, such as lifted citrus flower aromatics, rose petals and bath powder. It’s extremely well balanced, with ultra-long lip-smacking length, no hint of raisined influences or kerosene, and the remnants of some refreshing spritz. Acids are refreshing, but it’s not 100% dry in the finish, and the wine is all the better for it. In short, this is an extraordinary and perfectly poised Eden Riesling that’s going nowhere in a hurry. Tasted 12/09.
95/96
MichaelC
It was obviously "refreshing" – I wrote it three times! Must go back and tidy my note up …
MichaelC
That's the one Michael. I think it was the sweetness and the softness (your "Germanic touch" descriptor perhaps?) that made me a little unsure of how long a life it would have. But that very sweetness, RS or fruit derived, was a large part of what captivated me. Nice to hear you think it's has got plenty of time ahead of it. At $22 I'll make sure I get some in my cellar.
Cheers
jeremy
Sorry Jeremy, I've confused you. The note was for the '03. Since you didn't have a TN for it, I was wondering whether your impressions were similar. My introductory wording was poor.
As for the '04, I've only tasted it once in company and, while it's a very good wine, I am going to have a re-taste. I was also a bit unsure of how long it would cellar and felt that I hadn't got a good handle on it (restaurants aren't ideal for being objective). I felt the '04 was more Alsace-like, while the '03 was more Germanic. From your description of the '04 above, that makes sense. And the '02, if I can drag this out (!), was more like what I expect from Eden Valley.
Let me get back to you on what I think of cellaring the '04. I'll re-try it sooner rather than later.
I never took a note for the 03 but my memory is that the acid structure was more convincing, it wasn't as soft and it had more length. Unfortunately I never managed to get any of that cellared! Look forward to hearing what you think of the 2004 once you've had a better look at it. I wouldn't have there was any significant RS in it but there is still a pleasing fruit sweetness. Just my impression of course.
Thanks Michael.