The fruit comes predominantly from the Mount Barker subregion of the Great Southern with 10% Porongurup grapes included. In the past Janice McDonald believes that the Porongurup Riesling has been floral and citrus oriented with the Great Southern version trending more toward nashi pear and pom fruit. In recent times though she believes the two wines are moving closer together, in part due to the proximity of the Porongurup and Mount Barker vineyards used – particularly the Mount Barrow vineyard which at between 285 metres and 375 metres above sea-level is the highest site in the region. “On a clear day you can see Albany.”
There are still marked differences though. Yes, there are pear and apple elements complimenting the lime but perhaps the most distinctive character of this wine is its chalky texture and length on the back-palate. It’s still a reasonably forward Great Southern representation within the scheme of things but I believe the quality is a little higher here than in its Porongurup counterpart from the same vintage. 93
Region: Great Southern
Alcohol: 12.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: October 2013
Tasting this again alongside the 2013 Howard Park Porongurups Riesling and happy with my assessment of both but gosh, on a purely personal level, this is so tasty and a notch above its counterpart. Intense, succulent and long without any real loss of focus. Delicious gear. Wish someone was here to share the experience.