- Clare Valley, SA - $4-$6
- Screwcap
- 12.0%alc
When pitching wine to the sub-$10 market distinctive regionality can be a key card to hold, especially if the regional/varietal combination happens to be the Clare Valley and riesling.
Clare Valley Estate's 2009 Defender of the Faith Riesling is slightly one dimensional yet expressive and varietal on the nose, with a fairly brassy fragrance of lemon zest and lime which doesn't inspire, but it also doesn't offend. Leaving the fresher lemony accents of the nose behind, its broad palate pushes an even simpler announcement of pure lime juice flavour with a finish that shows more lime pith-like elements and a tangy acidity. It's a riesling that drinks better and crisper when it's quite cold, so you can happily drink it straight out the fridge.
O There's an apprehensive voice inside my head saying; "I want more freshness, purity, powdery acids and lift", but there's also a more content voice saying; "just look at its worth..." Drink to 2012.
85 points
No comments:
Post a Comment