The wine formerly known as the Oakridge Fume. Smoking name change. A blend of 71% Sauvignon Blanc from the Guerin vineyard in Gladysdale, 19% Semillon from the Oakridge vineyard in Coldstream and 10% Pinot Gris from the Syme vineyard in Seville. The Sauvignon and the Gris have been sourced from different areas than was the case in 2011 but the make-up is roughly the same. The quality hasn’t really changed either.
Florals, gooseberry and brown pear along with the old struck match on the nose. Some grassiness too. The texture is the key here though. Rounded in the mouth, creamy width through the mid-palate then it draws tight and long with citrus at the end. While the Gris adds generosity of fruit flavour the wine is of a savoury rather than tropical disposition. Intelligently blended whites – so under-rated in Australia. 92 Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: June 2013