Firstly, a confession. This is the first Rick Kinzbrunner wine I have tried. For someone who loves the Australian wine industry, that is somewhat of a crime. For someone who tries to champion Rhone whites it is simply unforgivable.
The Les Deux blends Chardonnay with 7% Roussanne and the resultant wine is superb. Oatmeal, grapefruit, lightly grilled peach, funky struck match and beeswax, with the most enticing & exquisite smell of jasmine tea wafting underneath. The mouthfeel is completely seductive and the mealy texture is cut through with just the right amount of steely resolve.
A mix of almond slivers, hazelnuts, grilled pine nuts and the occasional pecan adds further complexity along with a hint of maple butter. And it’s the maple butter & the yellow peach which provide some sweetness, extending from the entry onto the beginning of the mid palate. After that it’s all savoury and long, finishing a little sterner but with the floral lift of the fore mentioned jasmine.
Winery Website- http://www.giaconda.com.au/
An excellent wine, I love the texture, which seems to set it apart from most other Australian wines.
It really was a unique experience in terms of texture and mouth feel. I can only guess at how the addition of the Roussanne effects that aspect, but Mr Kinzbrunner has produced something very special. And the price is pretty good considering the quality.
Cheers
jeremy