“Well, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Yes, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Well, you must tell me, baby
How your head feels under somethin’ like that” – Bob Dylan
Viognier was once Australia’s vinous brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat. But fat and oily versions saw it become unfashionable pretty quickly. This expression from Inkwell (which used to include some Savagnin) is made by Bryn Richards of Chapel Hill in a restrained style – which means a lot of people will enjoy it and some will bemoan its lack of varietal presence. I’d like to see a little more ripeness and flavour myself but it is a young wine and it should fill out over the next couple of years.
Stonefruits, pear and a little funk with apricot kernels playing second fiddle and lemon curd adding some textural appeal, along with the judicious French oak. Some tangerine, honeysuckle, ginger and orange blossom as well. A hint of stony minerality on the back-palate. Give it some time. 89+ Good
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $20
Tasted: April 2012