Sunday, May 22, 2011

MITCHELTON BLACKWOOD PARK RIESLING 2010

- Central Victoria
- $13-$21
- Screwcap
- 12.0%alc

Victorian wine regions are truly blessed when it comes to delicious chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, but when the drink turns to riesling, Victoria's reputation isn't quite as lofty as others. There is however, a diverse group of standout Victorian rieslings from various regions, covering both high (for riesling) and low price points. Mitchelton's Blackwood Park falls into the latter of these two categories.

There are floral aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine emerging from Mitchelton's 2010 Blackwood Park, with a lightly candied influence of lemon and lime citrus providing sufficient, if slightly sweet varietal punch. Rather broad and sour, the palate presents some slightly spiky, edgy, viscous flavours of honeyed citrus and toast, drawn down the mouth by sweet 'n' sour acids and a penetrative note of lime juice. It's okay if a tad awkward right now, but it's far from an inspirational riesling, even at its modest price.

O I've always considered Mitchelton's Blackwood Park to be a good, consistent riesling (certainly capable of cellaring too), which doesn't really scale the heights of excellence. The 2010 hasn't changed my opinion. Drink 2014-2017.
88 points


4 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Having just consumed a glass of 03 Mitchelton Blackwood Park this week, I think your call of "a good, consistent riesling (certainly capable of cellaring too), which doesn't really scale the heights of excellence" rings true.

    The 03 was still rather youthful, but even with more time I didn't see it gaining anything that wasn't already promised. Nice enough but...

    ps- last post deleted due to careless typo.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks JP. I cellared a 2002 once, which I drunk in 2008. I felt it had matured well, could've lasted a few more years and remember it being a better wine than this 2010, but all the same it wasn't exactly 'flashy'. Your 2003 sounds much similar.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with the comments here - dependable, cellar-able and drinkable without ever being truly excellent.

    I sampled the '10 at the weekend and definitely showed better the second day, so I'd go a year or two in the bottle.

    ReplyDelete