Margaret River 12.0% Screwcap $20
Interesting to see that the ABV is a bit lower in this new release of Blue Poles’ “Dry White”. Mind you, they’ve always made a Viognier that is more about finesse than opulence. I find these wines generally take a couple of years to start singing and I’m of that opinion once again with the 2010.
Really pretty nose, the palate just needs some time to catch up. Tangerines, dried apricots leaning into pear, lemon drops, little white flowers and varietal ginger with a faint hint of vanilla bean on the cusp. A lean interpretation with lively, layered acids alongside softer barrel ferment characters. Plenty of subtle/gentle persistence and quite a bit of spice, not all of which can be encompassed by the term ginger.
I’m a sucker for this sort of stuff and whilst not everyone will get it, those that do will reap enough satisfaction to compensate for those that don’t. I’d strongly encourage people to give it a go and see on which side of the fence they fall. Just make sure you don’t serve it too cold.
Winery website- http://www.bluepolesvineyard.com.au/
I think Pat Haddock did a twitter poll the other day asking seeking views on whether anyone had bought wine solely on the basis of a writer's TN – I instantly thought of your note on the Mayfield.
The relevance here? I want to do the same with Mark's Viognier. Cures you and your evocative notes that make me want to shell out
Thank you for the kind words Stu. If you get to try this, I'd recommend matching it with some seafood. Nothing too over powering. It opens up a fair bit in the glass at the moment, so a quick decant wouldn't hurt either.
cheers
j