We get it, not everyone wants to drink Sauv Blanc and even if you do, sometimes it’s nice to get into a pear-laden PG or a crisp and aromatic Rizza or perhaps something even more exotic! So here’s a pack with the Sauv Blancs banished! In their place, a stunning Riesling from Claymore leads the way, laden with citrus and mouthwatering acidity, plus apples and pears and a wonderfully creamy texture in the PG from Artis. First Creek’s PG is dry with a mineral edge, pear aromas and flavours along with green apple. Finally, the Dell’uva Albarino offers a palate packed with peach, lemons, green apples, spice and salinity. It is wonderful by itself and even better with seafood.
Andrew Miller is a Champagne nutter who decided to become a winemaker. After graduating from Roseworthy college, he did a vintage in Champagne with Cote de Blancs producer Guy Jacopin and in spite of no shared language learned much about the art of winemaking and specifically blending. This Artis wines pay homage to Mr. Jacopin. This exceptional Pinot Gris is both textural, with lively superb acidity and citrus emerging from the inclusion of 9% Clare Riesling, complexing the pear laden, Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris. Soft, round, citrussy and delicious.
95pts Sam Kim, 95pts Wine Pilot, Gold Medal (Canberra Intl. Riesling Challenge)
Claymore have a habit of producing excellent Riesling and that habit is no danger here. Displaying everything you’d want in a young Riesling, lifted aromatics, crisp acidity and succulent lime. A silky palate that extends to a long dry finish just leaves you wanting more.
Albariño hails from Galicia in northwestern Spain and Portugal. This Albariño has a texture not unlike Chardonnay but a palate packed with peach, lemons, green apples, spice and salinity. It is wonderful by itself and even better with seafood.
This is textbook Pinot Grigio, dry with a mineral edge, pear aromas and flavours, and even a suggestion of the graininess you find when biting into a perfectly ripe, juicy pear. There is also green apple, lime, and honeysuckle in the mix. It’s excellent chilled hard and goes nicely with a range of foods, like a Vietnamese poached chicken salad; just go easy on the chilli. James Halliday rates First Creek Wines as a 5 red star producer, his highest accolade, and offers the following... ‘The quality of the wines has been consistently exemplary, and there is every reason to believe this will continue in the years to come.’