After a one year hiatus when the folks at Topper’s Mountain forgot to make a 2010 version, the Red Earth child is back. Vigneron Mark Kirkby presents the intent behind the wine in three parts. Firstly, to make the best single vineyard blend possible given the conditions each vintage. Secondly to express a sense of place…and finally to achieve stylistic integrity from year to year. That’s quite a challenge as you can well imagine. Given that the Petit Verdot and Barbera included in the 2009 release have made way for Shiraz and Tempranillo the general hallmarks of the wine remain fascinatingly intact. Nebbiolo and Tannat are the constants. Angularity, structure and an earthy savouriness still anchor an elegant and cerebral experience.
Sanguine traits and wet clay with counterpoints of rose petals, aniseed, raspberries and cherries. A spicy minx. Sinuous but not bony. Anxious acidity and tannic impact. Medium-bodied at most. Very difficult to rate. Some will wish for more fruit and a less elusive profile. This isn’t a wine of imposing substance or power. Architecture and vinosity are centre stage. I found it compelling if not as convincing as its predecessor. 89+
Region: New England
Alcohol: 13.4%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $38
Tasted: March 2014