Pewsey Vale The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling 2017
G 95
The Pewsey Vale Contours Riesling offers a developed (in some cases, developing) Riesling with all of the glories that entails at a ridiculously cheap price. Take advantage. A pale straw colour here, the nose gives hints of lemon butter on toast. This is supported by notes of spices and herbs, lime sherbet, florals and grapefruit pith. There is some early and intriguing complexity already on display. Bright acidity, drive, focus, balance and impressive length, this is a cracking Riesling which has some maturity, but the capacity for much more. Another 10 to 15 years at least. Drink now–2039 Poonawatta The Cuttings Shiraz 2021 G 95 Of all the Poonawatta wines I have encountered, this is the absolute standout for me, which is no surprise given it comes from such a stellar year. From a tiny vineyard, just 0.8 hectares, which was planted almost 50 years ago. A purple magenta colour, the wine is exuberant, generous, approachable and utterly delicious. We have notes of cassis, mulberries, spices, mocha, dark chocolate and plums. There is richness here, but all is in balance. Abundant tannins and exceptional length, this is terrific drinking now but will continue to provide pleasure for at least a decade. Drink now–2034 Poonawatta 1858 Grenache 2022 G 95 Medium-deep crimson. Brooding aromas of musky plum, Campari, strawberry, aniseed with hints of violets and tilled earth. Smooth and silky, ample red berry fruits, raspberry pastille, Campari flavours with an attractive mid-palate richness and underlying fresh bittersweet lacy tannins. Very well integrated acidity and a most pleasant crunchy/chalky textural combination on the finish. A lovely wine. Drink now–2032 14.5% alc Poonawatta The 1880 Shiraz 2019 G 95 Deep crimson. Intense cherry liqueur, mocha, marzipan aromas with a hint of bush garrigue. Opulent wine with plush luxuriant dark cherry liqueur, blackberry pastille fruits, chocolaty firm tannins, abundant mid-palate volume and well-matched roasted almond, marzipan, mocha oak. Finishes chocolaty with hints of liquorice. The acidity, alcohol and tannins all work together to animate the fruit. Impressive, but drink within the next five years, or see how it goes. Drink now–2030? 15% alc Poonawatta The Cuttings Shiraz 2019 G 95 Inky crimson. Forward blueberry jam, blackberry confit bouquet, hints of dark chocolate and liquorice. Big, rich and full-bodied. Excellent intensity and depth, offering concentration and freshness. Finishes long. Drink now–2029 14.5% alc
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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