Alpine Valleys 14.0% Screwcap $32
Mayford wines have been one of the most exciting discoveries I’ve had the good fortune to come across this year. Campbell Mattinson has already written a very good article on them for subscribers to The Wine Front, so I’ll just stick to talking about the wine at hand.
Its appeal is immediately apparent on the nose. White nectarine and peach with plenty of grapefruit, lemon and hints of toasty oak. Some white flowers too. The palate is situated mostly in the savoury spectrum with pleasant sulfide notes alongside something similar to manchego cheese, with its pine nut characters. The wine has a rounded mouth feel but a shard of citrus keeps everything sharp. Gentle toast and spice notes are crucial but in the background. It finishes long with lemons, minerals and a flourish of fennel bulb.
Detailed elegance and sophistication with the clear ability to improve in the cellar. A winner in every way.
Winery website- www.mayfordwines.com/