2008 Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling
Clare Valley, South Australia
This is a great example of a cordon cut wine where the grapes are left on the vine to shrivel for up to 2 months after the cordon (vine) has been cut. The sugars remaining in the grapes concentrate and develop a sweet wine with rich luscious characters.
With Stephanie Toole’s expertise in producing Clare Valley Riesling, it goes without saying that this wine is unique but still retains the classic Clare Riesling characters of lemon, lime and apples. The sweetness of the 2008 vintage is complemented by orange peel, apricot, apple and honey aromas. Upfront on the palate, it has a burst of freshness with the luscious complexity of honeyed apples and light lime marmalade flavours with an appropriate hint of lemon delicious dessert. It has a limey zing of acidity to balance the sweetness and the richness of the body.
Having recently tasted the 2006 Cordon Cut Riesling which had sweet crust pastry citron tart and honey baked apple characters, the 2008 will start deepening with a bit of cellar time.
Note: 2009 vintage is due for release in August
Recommended Food and Wine Match: Honeyed fresh fruit tartlets with a lightly spiced cream.
Available from Fine Wine Stores
Price: $35.00
© Lisa Johnston May 2009
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, June 2009
