First crop from vines from ENTAV-INRA material sourced through Riversun Nursery. 200 vines planted in the ‘Spade Oak' vineyard. Fruit hand-picked and inoculated yeast fermented to 12.0% alc. with 18 g/L rs. 6 months on light lees with no MLF. Bright, light golden-straw colour with a pale rim. This has a soft, deep and concentrated bouquet of ripe yellow stonefruits with nuances of nuts and savoury tropical fruits, becoming voluminous in the glass. Off-dry, there are rich and full flavours of ripe yellow fruits with honey and spice notes, along with nutty elements forming a weighty, and dense core that is nearly unctuous. High acidity marks the palate, and while very cutting and zesty, a slippery oiliness of texture mollifies the firmness. The acidity carries the long finish of exotic fruits and florals. A distinctively exotic wine with a sense of decadence and weight, the racy acidity will make it a match with rich Asian and Mediterranean influenced cuisine over the next 4+ years. Steve and Eileen Voysey are considering a riper expression in a dessert wine style for the next release of this variety, which is seen as a relation of Gros Manseng. (375 ml) 18.0+/20 Dec 2011 RRP N/A
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