It seems somehow that the 2012 Florita Riesling has gotten lost in the rapturous applause for the Lodge Hill version from the same vintage. They’re very different wines but I don’t think it deserves that fate.
As opposed to the tropical notes of the Lodge Hill, here we’re talking about minerality, purity, restraint (within the context of the vintage) and longevity. It’s slatey with white flower aromas. Very Watervale. Limes over lemons and an intriguing note of guava. A touch of melon rind/quinine but it’s not overtly bitter at any stage. Hints of sage too. Very structured but the acidity is ensconced and there’s a bit of juiciness to the sculpted palate. Somewhere between focused and giving…or maybe both. 94+ Excellent
Region: Clare Valley
Alcohol: 12.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: March 2013
Tried the Lodge Hill twice and it’s not a style for me. Wife could hardly abide it – hates tropical characters. This sounds more like my thing, though is a bit pricey.
Interested to try the 2012 Merle since I’ve not loved it in the past.
MichaelC
Michael, although we appear to often have different palates I do completely agree with you on the 2012 Lodge Hill … tropical and although only 3GRS has a sweetness from the fruit that comes across odd to me. All in all within the context of Aus riesling, at least those I enjoy, this wine almost seems non-varietal to me.
I like most of the Merles, 2012 is right up there with the 2002 maybe a notch better.
Yes, we can probably agree on this. I couldn’t really profess to love it on either occasion. I really seems a lot sweeter than 3 grams RS. And incongruously sweet at that. As a rule, I prefer pretty much bone-dry Riesling in Australia – different views on Riesling from Alsace and Germany of course. Even then, Kabinett is about as sweet as I’ll go.
MichaelC