Is this the antithesis to modern Australian Riesling? Oxidative handling, deep colours and intensely ripe flavours make this seem more Alsatian (or Alsacian, i always get confused) than the gently off dry Kabinett styles we normally see. This is certainly an interesting wine, lets put it that way, then again with a vineyard site like the one above, wines that push the boundaries should be expected…

Full, golden yellow colour, the nose has ripe apricot, even botrytisy (without the mouldy funk) richness that is more Viognier than Riesling, though impressively concentrated and still quite fresh. The palate is rich, spicy & almost Gewurtzy with back palate grip to match the musky, full & complex palate.

At first this seems simply to big to be drinkable, like many Aussie Viogniers can be, yet there is some undeniable softness and delicacy to the finish that makes this quite an enjoyable, if somewhat OTT, drink. I like it, but geez its a long way from pristine Eden Valley Rizza’s (and where to from here on the development stakes? Drink sooner rather than later me thinks). 18