Field blends are all too infrequently seen in the Australian market today. Commercially, such wines can be high risk as they do not lend themselves to simple varietal labelling, which makes them harder to sell.
When done intelligently, blending compatible varieties makes real sense. Such is the sense with Stargazer Tupelo, a three-way blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. In this instance, the sum is very much greater than the individual component parts. There is a real sense of harmony, as well as aromatic and textural complexity to the wine.
Riesling provides the wines structure by way of acidity and fills out the mid-palate. It also lends aromatic complexity in the form of citrus and orchard fruit. Pinot Gris lends ballast and palate weight. Although it threatens to steal the show, the Gewurtraminer delivers exotic aromatic lift and spicy complexity.
Bottled with a touch of residual sugar, there is a lot to like about this wine. It is made for moderately spiced Asian cuisine of many types. It is utterly delicious and dangerously drinkable.
2017 STARGAZER TUPELO
Producer: Stargazer
Variety: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer
Region: Coal River Valley + Derwent Valley, Tasmania
ABV: 12.9%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 8 February 2018
Tasting Note:
Pale silvery yellow. Lifted aromatic nose of rose petal, lychee, green apple, nashi pear and spice. Just off-dry, excellent depth of flavour and structure. Gewurz spice and exotic fruit on the front palate, leading to crisp green apple and pear. Fine line of acidity carries the finish. A step up from the 2016 release. Made for judiciously spiced Asian cuisine.
Score: 16.5/20
When done intelligently, blending compatible varieties makes real sense. Such is the sense with Stargazer Tupelo, a three-way blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. In this instance, the sum is very much greater than the individual component parts. There is a real sense of harmony, as well as aromatic and textural complexity to the wine.
Riesling provides the wines structure by way of acidity and fills out the mid-palate. It also lends aromatic complexity in the form of citrus and orchard fruit. Pinot Gris lends ballast and palate weight. Although it threatens to steal the show, the Gewurtraminer delivers exotic aromatic lift and spicy complexity.
Bottled with a touch of residual sugar, there is a lot to like about this wine. It is made for moderately spiced Asian cuisine of many types. It is utterly delicious and dangerously drinkable.
Producer: Stargazer
Variety: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer
Region: Coal River Valley + Derwent Valley, Tasmania
ABV: 12.9%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 8 February 2018
Tasting Note:
Pale silvery yellow. Lifted aromatic nose of rose petal, lychee, green apple, nashi pear and spice. Just off-dry, excellent depth of flavour and structure. Gewurz spice and exotic fruit on the front palate, leading to crisp green apple and pear. Fine line of acidity carries the finish. A step up from the 2016 release. Made for judiciously spiced Asian cuisine.
Score: 16.5/20
No comments:
Post a Comment