Thursday, April 8, 2010

YALUMBA HAND PICKED BOTRYTIS VIOGNIER 2008

- Wrattonbully, SA
- $22-$30 (375ml)
- Screwcap
- 12.5%alc

My brief encounters with Australian botrytis viogniers have left me with the impression that it's a style of sweet wine with loads of potential in this country. Early examples I've had from both Yalumba (Wrattonbully 2007-91pts) and Cape Mentelle (Margaret River 2008-90pts) have cleverly demonstrated how the pungent, aromatic varietal qualities of viognier can combine fruitfully with the rich and luscious nature of botrytis wines.

Pale-yellow in the glass, Yalumba's 2008 reveals lightly fragrant, toasty aromas of creme brulee, vanilla, nectarine and lemon teacake with more savoury quality and refinement than anticipated. Its mouthfilling palate is notably fresh and beset with a pleasing richness through the middle section, offering a clean and clear spectrum of mineral infused stonefruit, lemon marmalade and cinnamon toast flavour. A synergy of botrytis and viognier provides some agreeable rubbery tones, before the wine finishes long with a soft brace of refreshing acidity, which just leaves the mouth salivating for more.

ü+ 2008 has produced another deliciously clean and addictive Yalumba Hand Picked Botrytis Viognier; surely one of Australia's most promising dessert wine labels. Drink to 2013.
91 points


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