Scents of harmony - NZ Riesling (Issue 139, March 2010)
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 A tight circle of devotion surrounds Riesling, a fan base forever wondering why its chosen variety isn’t bigger than The Beatles. It’s hard to argue with these Riesling lovers when you consider the variety’s central attributes. It offers little scope for winemaker tricks – Riesling is all about fruit purity; Riesling is where Riesling lives, being the equivalent of Pinot Noir in its capacity to reflect its place of upbringing. It also has an ability to age that adds a dimension no other aromatic can match. Our panel’s Riesling devotees were delighted with the quality of the tasting’s top wines, almost all of which were drawn from the outstanding 2009 vintage.
Tasting Panel
Facing the music with John Belsham, Cuisine’s regular tasting panel chair and owner of Foxes Island Wines, were an aromatically well-attuned pair of judges. New Zealand’s only master sommelier, Cameron Douglas, filled one seat. Anna Flowerday, winemaker and co-proprietor of Marlborough winery Te Whare Ra, took the other. Although raised in South Australia’s famous red wine district McLaren Vale, the call of cool-climate aromatics brought Anna to New Zealand. The associate judge was Jane Boyle, product strategy manager at New Zealand Wine Cellars.
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Cuisine Top 5 NZ Riesling
To qualify for Top 5 status, wines must be readily available for general purchase. Some wines might rate as high or higher but are hard to find. Wines are listed in order of final scores.
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1 |
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Bouldevines Riesling 2009 (Marlborough) |
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2 |
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Forrest The Doctors’ Riesling 2009 (Marlborough) |
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3 |
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Domain Road Riesling 2009 (Central Otago) |
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4 |
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Villa Maria Cellar Selection Riesling 2009 (Marlborough) |
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5 |
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Highfield Estate Marlborough Riesling 2009 |
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