- Eden Valley, SA - $22-$27
- Screwcap
- 12.0%alc
Alongside names like Flaxman Wines, Karra Yerta and Dandelion Vineyards, Poonawatta Estate is among an emergent group of small makers showing off just how good Eden Valley riesling can be. The Eden is a single vineyard riesling sourced from low-yielding vines planted between 1972 and 1978, at a typically high elevation of 425 metres above sea level. Only 2816 bottles of the 2010 were made.
Defined by a youthful scent that's as tight as the lycra on a 50 year old cyclist (when cold; wine that is), Poonawatta's 2010 Riesling slowly opens to clean aromas of bath salts and blossoms, lifted and drawn into line by a high citric tone that may also reveal a hint of spice such is its nasal tickle. The palate speaks the crystal clear accents and limey extension typical of the region, expressed with pleasingly lean boundaries yet undoubtedly flavoursome insides, before its pure green apple flavours finish wonderfully long and limey, outlined by a beautifully measured wash of mouth-filling, chalky citric acids and a faint bitter aspect that may displease some, yet please others. On a hot summer's night, it's not the sort of wine you want to leave me alone with...
ü+ Limes? Check. Apples? Check. Clarity of flavour? Check. Length? Check. Chalky acids? Check. With exception of perfume, Poonawatta Estate's 2010 is a true Eden Valley riesling in every respect. Drink to 2018.
93 points
This was the standout for me at a Barossa tsating in Brisbane back in November. Sufficient enough for me to buy a six, consume one at Christmas and then look to draw on one per year over the next five.
ReplyDeleteVery descriptive Chris! Like the sound of this wine regardless :)
ReplyDeletecheers
TC
Stu,
ReplyDeleteInteresting to hear an Eden Valley riesling proved a highlight at a Barossa tasting! Certainly goes to show the Eden's had a better run of white vintages than the Barossa has red lately! Still, I'm anticipating some better reds to come from both regions in the not too distant future....
Cheers as always,
Chris P
Thanks Tim.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great wine Poonawatta's 2010, but given the choice, I'd probably veer towards Dandelion Vineyard's 2010, although I should be tasting Karra Yerta's 2010 tomorrow....
Cheers,
Chris P
Hmmmmm, yes you should:)
ReplyDeleteCheers
Marie
Thanks Marie :)
ReplyDeleteI did taste it by the way, and, wow! Yum! I think the Dandelion's been surpassed.....
:)
Perhaps equally as commendable as the riesling was the warm welcome we all received at your cellar door - it was a real breath of fresh air after visiting some of the Barossa's larger, certainly less intimate and personable wineries on the day. James was great!
Love the bar stools too. More cellar doors should have those......
:)
Cheers,
Chris P