Dave Mackintosh, he of New Zealand and Gaelic heritage not to mention ‘Salo’ side project fame, kicks off his new Ar Fion label (“Our Wine” in Scottish Gaelic) with a couple of beauties – a Rosé which I’ll review shortly and this wine.
From the press release:
“By eliminating the sense of variety, we can perfectly express the Price’s Ridge terroir [Gladysdale, in the Upper Yarra Valley]. Our field blend is made from three white varieties which share a spine of eroded loam along Prices Road”
Aromas are of pear, white and pink florals, lime, grass, hay and stonefruit. This is more than just fresh and crusp bro. It’s curvaceous, filling out the palate with aplomb. A complete and cohesive wine – I attempted to guess the varieties and was quite certain the lime citrus indicated the incorporation of Yarra Riesling, as well as the more obvious 50% Chardonnay, Gris and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. I was wrong. No Riesling in here. But the varieties meld together in such a way as to make interpretation via variety of little real interest.
Oak and grape skin tannins contribute further textural input, becoming more and more nuanced over the course of a day. It’s savoury through the line, finishing in a pleasingly tart and spicy manner. Intriguing and tasty stuff. 93 Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $29
Tasted: December 2012