We have dedicated considerable time on these pages debating the merits of cork versus screw cap closure for Rieslings and other aromatic white grape varieties. 2000 was the year that the ever meticulous Jeffrey Grosset switched to screw cap in favour of cork. A number of his wines of the late 1990’s have undoubtedly suffered under cork, some oxidising prematurely, others just tasting flat and tired well before their time was due.
The 2000 Grosset Watervale Riesling comes as a welcome relief. There is no suggestion of taint or oxidation whatsoever, nor is there any sign of reduction. What we have is a clean Riesling that is displaying signs of maturity; honey, toast and a touch of kerosene. While the evidence of one bottle alone mightn’t satisfy the cynics, there is enough to suggest that, as a minimum, screw cap addresses the worst failings of cork, and that wines do indeed age (rather well) under screw cap.
2000 WATERVALE RIESLING
Producer: Grosset
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2000
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 18 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Bright lemon yellow nose, suggesting bottle development, which is borne out on the nose; slightly toasty/honey overlaying lemon/lime zest. The palate is quite full, rich and weighty, though a fine ripple of acidity makes its presence felt. No issues of oxidation or cork taint here, and the wine has clearly developed well under screw cap. Drinking very well now, but should hold.
Score: 16.5/20
The 2000 Grosset Watervale Riesling comes as a welcome relief. There is no suggestion of taint or oxidation whatsoever, nor is there any sign of reduction. What we have is a clean Riesling that is displaying signs of maturity; honey, toast and a touch of kerosene. While the evidence of one bottle alone mightn’t satisfy the cynics, there is enough to suggest that, as a minimum, screw cap addresses the worst failings of cork, and that wines do indeed age (rather well) under screw cap.
2000 WATERVALE RIESLINGProducer: Grosset
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2000
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 18 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Bright lemon yellow nose, suggesting bottle development, which is borne out on the nose; slightly toasty/honey overlaying lemon/lime zest. The palate is quite full, rich and weighty, though a fine ripple of acidity makes its presence felt. No issues of oxidation or cork taint here, and the wine has clearly developed well under screw cap. Drinking very well now, but should hold.
Score: 16.5/20
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