Featured Reviews



Alana Estate Riesling 2011

02 February,2012
Well-established as a destination, Alana Estate is familiar to many people as an outstanding concert venue with a natural amphitheatre for acoustics, and having a restaurant serving satisfying fare. Occupying 17 ha of prime land on the Martinborough Terrace, Alana Estate has the resource and potential to produce top flight Martinborough wine, and from the first vintage in 1997, a number of excellent wines have been released showing that quality can be realised. With the arrival of Pete Wilkins as CEO late last year and Alex Craighead in the winemaker role recently, consistency and direction should take a step up. Pete, with a highly experienced background as viticulturist with Martinborough Vineyard and Craggy Range will oversee the conversion of the vineyards to biological viticulture. www.alana.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW


Alana Estate ‘Single Vineyard' Martinborough Riesling 2011
Riesling from New Zealand – Wairarapa & Wellington

17.5-/20
Brilliant straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, this has a shy nose with delicate aromas of white florals, musk and honeysuckle, with minerally nuances. Medium to medium-dry to taste and light-bodied, bright, racy acidity is prominent. Subtle flavours of florals with honey and exotic notes build to provide good presence and mouthfeel. The textures are fine, and allow delicate notes of honey and herbs unfold. The wine has an understated finish with the acidity enlivening the ethereal floral elements. Fruit from the ‘Alana' estate from 18 y.o. vines, cool-fermented to 10.8% alc. and 21.9 g/L rs. This gentle and restrained German Kabinett-styled wine will develop more richness and complexity over the next 4-5 years. Serve as an aperitif or with mild Asian cuisine. 17.5-/20 Feb 2012 RRP $35.00
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