Knappstein Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 95
A Cabernet still in its prime with that vegetal accent and pronounced black fruit characters. Then it’s time for black olive tapenade, delicious mint chocolate and new leather. The acidity is flooding, only partially contained by exuberant-good- looking tannins, pushing the fruit like a drifting boat. Plenty of potential and time ahead. Drink now–2042 Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Riesling 2024 G 95 A timid nose, like a gentle spring whiff redolent of buds bursting, fresh-cut grass, citrus notes, and Granny Smith apples. The acidity and juiciness of the fruit reverberate like water reflecting sunlight back to the rock. Incredible minerality, purity, and length at the core. Drink 2025–2040 Mitchell McNicol Clare Valley Riesling 2015 G 95 Well-aged Clare Valley Riesling, always a treat! Out of the cellar, this 2015 McNicol is ready to charm, right here, right now. Shows complexity from the first sniff with its heady aromas of jasmine, orange peel, lemon barley, buttered toast and honey. There’s an inherent warmth to the wine. It’s there in the natural textural flow, the almost opulent flavour intensity in honeyed toast, lemon curd and florals interlaid with a lemon/orange peel bright savoury spark to close. Acidity, the key to a long life, is holding firm throughout. I’d call this a comfort wine, which it is, but it is also so much more. Drink now–2030 Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2024 G 95 Speaks of its place in classic lime and lemon citrus sherbet, bath salts and apple blossom florals. A most taut and precise palate delivering cut and bite in lime peel and grapefruit pith while maintaining a smooth presence of citrus throughout, with flashes of ginger and spice. There’s depth here, something to explore further with time in bottle. Lovely acid tang to close. Drink now–2041 O’Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling 2024 G 95 The opposite in personality to Watervale Riesling, Polish Hill is all about Riesling energy and exuberance. Organically grown, for those wondering, Polish Hill arrives all bright and perky, but underneath the citrussy exterior there is great concentration of fruit flavour. A drinker could get lost in the depths of that gorgeous middle palate, such is the appeal of spiced apple with grapefruit, lemon, lime and citrus zest. Polish Hill offers a mix of spice and citrus all rolled tightly into one super perky, fresh, young Riesling. Another ripper from this top Clare Valley sub-region. Drink now–2034
178
The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Powered by FlippingBook