I’m a big believer when it comes to white ‘Rhone’ varieties and their place in the Australian wine landscape. Sure, many poor examples continue to be made and there’s no doubt we are still searching for the right terroirs to successfully articulate these grapes and blends but I’ve tasted enough to be convinced that the future looks bright. Here’s a great example. It’s 50% Marsanne, 35% Roussanne and 15% Viognier.
Enchanting fragrance. Honeysuckle florals, nuts (almonds mostly), citrus and a hint of stonefruit. With time a note of herbal tea courtesy of the Roussanne. It neither smells nor tastes fruity – indeed, much of the appeal lies in the complex but cohesive savoury character it exhibits. Sensibly textured with enough flesh to satisfy and a sinewy acid/mineral line maintaining excellent form. A structured but not overly stern palate then, with a squeeze of grip at the end. I ended up consuming the bottle with a friend, a couple of pork and fennel sausages and some roast root vegetables. We’ve both vowed to do it all again. Very Good – Excellent
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $28
Tasted: February 2012
Liked this, but not as much as the 2010. Found the 2011 a little too (need italics there) structured and acid driven. Personal preference perhaps. Felt like the 2011 acidity worked much better with the Riesling.
On the flip side, I think I might come round to it more in a year if it’s mellowed a bit.
Tried any of the other recent Story releases Jeremy?
Reckon you’re spot on Dave. Rory was generous enough to send a bottle of the 2010 (even though it’s sold out) and I liked it a lot. Less structure, more Viognier, more flavour and weight – perhaps more immediacy in the sense of enjoyment it provides. I’ve got the 2011 rated ahead of it for structure, shape and length mainly. I do think it will improve over the next few years at least.
Also had a look at all the 2010 single vineyard Shirazes last week. An impressive group of wines with the Henty being my favourite. Will get notes up this week.
cheers
J