Here comes the sun

I love when the seasons change. The vines have started the journey for the 2014 vintage and it looks like everything is going to be early in SA.We had four days of extreme heat for this time of the year, in fact we recorded the hottest start to spring in 60 years, so the vines pulled themselves out of their sleep and started to burst from their buds. It looks great this time of year so get yourself down to a wine region and enjoy a cheese platter and a glass of luscious wine.

Tuck's Ridge Chardonnay 2012

This winery started in 1985 with a chardonnay of all things and it has kept this variety as its focus even though Pinot Noir has come on board. This wine feel more like a burgundy than an Australian with the mouth feel, texture and flavour spectrum all being styled towards restraint. It has an easy going vitality with flavours of dried figs, fresh cut melons and lemon pith attaching itself to every corner of my mouth and never letting go. This is pure precision and sophistication style all wrapped up in one.

Alcohol: 12.9%
Price: $30 which is stupid value
Rated: 93
Drink: in 5 years

 

 Hurley Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir 2011

Anyone for Pinot? This winery specializes in the variety and you can tell that they mean business when you taste this wine. This is the best 2011 Pinot that I have tried. The colour is light but the fragrant flavours pack a punch. It has complexity and vitality in a light bodied frame. The mid-palate is beautiful and bouncy with dark cherry leading the way. I love this wine right from the time I opened it and it captivated me for the four days I tried it.

Alcohol: 13.7%

Price: $40

Rated: 91

Drink:  Now - 2024

 

John Duval Eligo 2010

Oh boy this is good but it had to be when the man who made grange made it from a year where no bad wine should have been made. The wine has a lovely lightness about it but I think that comes from an inclusion of Eden Valley fruit thrown in. The main stay is layers of plump black berries and fruitcake mixed with plum sauce and dried herbs. If you want to impress pull this out and watch the facial reaction when your guesses taste this. My god it put a smile on my face. Watch out for the finish where the vibrant tannins take over.

Alcohol: 14.5%

Price: $105

Rated: 95

Drink: 2025 - 2040

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2013

Riesling is one of my favourite varieties and works brilliantly when the sun comes out. This wine was picked in Febuary which means that it was an early vintage. Who really cares when it is this good with flavours of lemon blossom, spice, guava and smashed quartz. These flavour are enhanced by a massive amount of star like acidity bringing the moments out of the wine. What is even better is the price which is under 25 but you should be able to find it for about 20.

Alcohol: 12.4%

Price: $22

Rated: 90

Drink: Now - 2023