Noble Rot Riesling 2006
Grape Variety
100% riesling grapes grown at Eden Valley, naturally infected with Botrytis cinerea.
Technical Details
Harvest Date: 11-15 May
Alcohol: 12% | pH: 3.24 | Acidity: 8.1 g/L |
Maturation
Fermented in tank and bottled post-vintage (no oak or tank maturation) to preserve the wine’s fruit characters.
Background
For centuries in Europe very late harvest wines have been made from grapes infected in the vineyard with the Botrytis cinerea mould, such as French sauternes and German beerenauslese. This mould, known as the Noble Rot, develops in the ripening grape berries causing higher sugar and acid levels to be achieved with corresponding enhancement of flavours and lusciousness of the wine.
Vintage Description
The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%.
The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit.
Whites were nearly all picked by the end of March, an unusual situation.
Summary: Excellent to Exceptional white vintage with below average yields.
Wine Description
Deep gold in colour. Sweet aromas of honey, nectar, apricot, lemon rind and bath talc with hints of lime zest. A rich, luscious, concentrated palate with 12% residual sweetness, layers of flavours, excellent intensity and good length with a delicious crisp finish.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent vintage, drink now to 2011.
Serving Idea
Roasted nectarines with panettone.