Ballycroft Small Berry Montepulciano 2017

The second vintage of Montepulciano for Joe Evans of Ballycroft. Expect subtle tweaks as Joe gets a handle on the variety and responds to vintage shifts. From Langhorne Creek, 2.2t hand picked; back in the shed it's plunged 2* for 9 days; employs 25% whole bunch and then spends 6m in old French oak. 

Prime and ripe Berry on this one. Old Joe knows how to get some flavour out of his fruit for sure. It's redolent of the Blueberry topping on a cheesecake, minus the Vanilla. Savoury backs it up, the small % of whole bunch adding its tuppence-worth to the dialogue. 

Nice open-weave that rolls around the palate. Fair shake of the pepper grinder, even a latent minty aspect in the frame too. Like good wines often do, this seduces with the first sip, luring the drinker in before delivering a liquid slap with some depth, spice and lasting presence. Joe, you're on a winner old mate. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th May, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.ballycroft.com/

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Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2017

Winemaker Peter McGlashan: "My first Riesling was in 2013 [review], I have been playing around with yeast and treatments for Riesling, while they have been quite good in the QLD context of Riesling, I thought it has potential to be so much more. In the past they have carried about 6g/L of R.S. (Residual Sugar) and they were enjoyable. 2017 the crop of Riesling was big. So i had a play with a small portion leaving it over night in the tank press on skins".

Both portions sent to tank for a slow cool ferment, on light lees for approximately a month before bottling. 

Lime and lemon barley, lemon butter. Expressive citrus. 

Lends a little width and weight, an even spread, oozing its way across the palate. There's texture, along with length, carrying a line of citrus derived flavour.  Length is generous. 91 

Tasted on: Friday 4th May, Leaf to Fruit day 
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://ridgemillestate.com/

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