2002 DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON - A SWEET CLASSIC

De Bortoli’s Noble One is something of an ‘Aussie classic’. Since the debut 1982 vintage beat Chateau d’Yquem in a blind tasting, this Sauternes of the antipodes has had a loyal following and deservedly so. In the early noughties there was a school of thought that the Noble One had perhaps lost its way a little, and wasn’t the ageworthy gem of old. Based on the recent tasting of a 2002 from half bottle, one can only say that the Noble One is ageing as well as ever. This particular bottle, sealed under cork, was remarkably fresh, with a hint of honey being the only suggestion of emerging maturity. Although drinking well now, well cellared bottles should keep for many years to come (pending, of course, the vagaries of cork).

2002 DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON
Producer: De Bortoli
Variety: Sweet Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2002
Region: Riverina, New South Wales
ABV: 11.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 375ml
Date tasted: 17 September 2011

Tasting Note:
Lustrous golden yellow. Vibrant lively nose of fresh apricots, yellow peaches and honey. Equally fresh and vibrant on the palate; apricots and peaches again. Very good length and complexity. Drinking well, with potential to develop further.
Score: 17/20