Xabregas Artisan Riesling 2014

A worked, dry style Riesling fermented in neutral barrels on fine lees for texture. You can see the step-up over the standard Xabregas Mount Barker, with more texture equalling more interest.

Sherbet, lemongrass and lime, the candied peel fruit of 14 gives this a real sweetness of fruit (though its the driest of the ’14 Xabregas Riesling). Long, full flavoured, that slightly candied flavour is a distraction, though the mouthfeel and palate weight is excellent.

It’s a little blunt and full at the moment, but I think another few years should see things integrate more. I’d wait.

Details: 12.8%, Screwcap, $31
Tasted: June 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2016-2025+
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100+
Would I buy it? Not quite yet. Maybe next year.
Buy online: Xabregas website

Wine

About me – Andrew Graham

At 18 I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, doing a degree that I didn't really like, and a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say I discovered wine, my uni degree morphed into something completely different and wine/beer took over my life.

Almost twenty years later and I currently spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.

While wearing my writer cap I write features for the likes of National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS plus I'm a Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here.

Xabregas Artisan Riesling 2014