Mount Riley Albariño
top 5Best BuysI THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY that in the wine world consistency is everything and the Mount Riley Estate range has that in spades. This combined with the range’s great value is a winning combination for wine lovers. While relatively new to the albariño game, releasing their first in 2020, the wine is fantastic. Having an albariño of this quality widely available at a reasonable price is the best news for those passionate about New Zealand albariño. It should be mentioned that head judge Simon Nunns made New Zealand’s first ever commercial albariño, released in 2012 during his time at Coopers Creek. It is he who has both seeded and encouraged my passion for the varietal and we collectively and individually are committed to telling the New Zealand albariño story to anyone who will listen – and some who won’t – but I digress. Mount Riley has truly made something special with this albariño with aromas of crunchy green apple sitting alongside limes, guava and jasmine on the nose. The palate is vibrant and zesty thanks to the incredible acidity that drives the palate ever forward but with a mid palate mouth watering salinity that is classic albariño, finishes fresh and crisp and ultimately with the drinker reaching for the bottle to pour just ‘one more glass’. Superb.
