RICHARD SAYS
2022 Penna Lane Watervale Riesling
12.5%, Clare Valley, South Australia RRP $33
I had to search this wine out after it won four (!) trophies at the most recent Clare Valley wine show. From a terrific year, this wine handsomely expresses the best attributes of Riesling.
It’s a youthful pale colour, lime and lemon lead away, but there’s also a twist of apple and a whisp of melon or paw-paw. The texture of this wine is an absolute success; superfine with talc, mineral crunch and vitality; adding a happy touch of fine salinity. The flavours just dwell along, leaving me refreshed and superkeen for more.
Next steps. Buy and try. If you intend to cellar this wine tests willpower – it’s so delicious already. If you can’t be intrigued by the Penna Lane website, use Google to find a retailer (I went to South Melbourne). Roast chook tonight, but it’s hard to go wrong with most fish dishes -baked, steamed, stir-fried -and heaps more. The price is an outrageous bargain. Turn your friends on and enjoy.
GRANT SAYS
Delatite ‘Deadman’s Hill’ Gewurztraminer 2022
RRP $30 ABV 15%
My wife and I ventured up to Lake Eildon a few weekends back for a spot of camping. Having enjoyed many a Delatite drop over the years, we thought a visit to their recently renovated outdoor dining area would balance out the campfire snags from the previous evening. With a view of the majestic Mt. Buller and a fresh alpine breeze, we sampled ample drops over a shared lunch (check the pairing below…). The standout wine was their Gewurztraminer. Not for the faint of heart, this true-to-its-German style variety showcases such a unique aromatic and flavour profile. Rose water, lychee, fresh lavender, turkish delight and potpourri are presented in spades. This surprisingly carries over to the palate as well yet its oily texture, slatey core and driving ‘granny smith apple’ acidity ensure everything is in check and not too over the top. Although I would highly recommend you enjoy this wine with an equally full flavoured food dish to really super charge the sensorial overload. In my humble opinion, Delatite offers the best spread of wine varieties in Victoria. They’re all of such high quality yet still so affordable. I’d recommend considering signing up to their wine club for regular deliveries…
Pair with: San choy bao of slow cooked then deep fried pork knuckle with a saucy arrangement of sweet soy, apple sauce and a chilli glaze.
